Jenn Plummer Crave Me (Aspen Ridge Series) Book 2 of 5: Aspen Ridge Series

 

 Dallas

My newest employee is the physical representation of everything I hate—she’s stubborn, sassy, and challenges me on everything. Not to mention, she’s trying to change the way my family runs our distillery. The worst part though? She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on, and her vile little mouth makes me want her all the more. Despite my efforts, I’ve fallen obsessively for her. When I discover the traumatic history she’s worked hard to keep hidden, I do everything in my power to keep her safe. But when the past catches up to her, it threatens to ruin everything. I’ll do anything to prove to her that I’m not going anywhere. Whether she likes it or not.

Blaire
Moving to a new town is hard enough. But reinventing my past in an attempt to start a new life, hoping others won’t look at me like a charity case, is a bigger challenge than I was expecting. As I fall further in love with Aspen Ridge and my new job, my gorgeous boss slowly starts to chip away at my resolve. He hates me, but I know he wants me. When the restraint breaks and I discover that he brings me a peace I’ve never experienced, everything changes. But with the nightmares of my past still haunting me, how can I continue to keep my secrets hidden and not lose him in the process?

**Crave Me is book two in the interconnected Aspen Ridge Series and can be read as a standalone. HEA guaranteed!**

My Personal Review, Thoughts, & No Spoilers. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Read by Me. 

What another fantastic read by the author. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Dallas and Blaire. They both had quite the chemistry and the storyline definitely kept this reader interested and really enjoyed reading it. This story definitely had its roller coaster moments and kept this reader on the edge of my seat. I really enjoyed it and look forward to the next book in the series. I love this author‘s way of writing. 

Eliza Rockwood Hideaway Christmas: An Age-Gap, Fake Marriage, Single Dad, Small Town Insta-Love Romance (Hideaway Mountain) Book 4 of 5: Hideaway Mountain

 

She’s his daughter’s innocent teacher, and he just rescued her from a Russian mobster. To keep her safe, he takes her as his pretend wife for Christmas. As danger looms, will their fake marriage turn into something real before the new year?

Noelle
When I left New York to finish college in Colorado, I thought I was leaving my ties to the Bratva behind me for good. Unfortunately, I could not have been more wrong. I’m fresh into my first year teaching middle school when I’m kidnapped by my dead boyfriend’s uncle, now a powerful Pakhan who wants to keep me quiet—permanently. Lucky for me, the very handsome father of one of my students also happens to be a detective for the Denver PD, and he saves me from Viktor’s evil clutches. To keep me safe so I can testify against the mobster, Shane offers to take me undercover with him to his mother’s home in Hideaway Mountain—as his fake bride. I’m thrilled at the prospect of spending the holidays with a family of my very own for the first time in my life, even if it is just pretend. However, it’s not long before the ruse begins to feel all too real. I quickly grow to love Gracie, who was already one of my favorite students, and her sweetheart of a grandma. And when her dad continues to look at me with so much protective hunger, I can feel myself falling for him too. But will Shane still want to keep me when he learns the truth about my past?

Shane
Noelle is my daughter’s seventh-grade English teacher—and even though I shouldn’t—I can’t deny the longing I feel for her after our first meeting at parent/teacher conferences before winter break. When my daughter accidentally leaves her phone behind at school, I’m not annoyed but excited for the excuse to see Noelle one more time before we leave town. Gracie’s absentmindedness ends up being a crucial stroke of luck when her forgotten phone allows me to track and save Noelle from being kidnapped by a well-known Russian kingpin. Once she’s safely in my arms, I know I have to protect her. So, I ask Noelle to come with me to Hideaway Mountain as my pretend wife, under the guise of keeping her safe. What Noelle doesn’t know is that I have no intention of ever letting her go. I plan to make this beautiful girl my real wifebefore we ring in the New Year.

Welcome to Hideaway Mountain—where the men fall hard and fast for feisty, independent women.

This is book four in the Hideaway Mountain insta-love novella series, featuring a V-card heroine in a small mountain town. Though each book in the Hideaway Mountain and Hideaway Valley universe has interconnected characters, they can all be read as standalone stories. If you love spicy, sweet, and daring small-town romance, then take a trip to Hideaway Mountain. HEA guaranteed!

My personal review, thoughts, & no spoilers. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Read by Me. 

This was a very sweet holiday read for this reader. I enjoyed reading about Noelle and Shane. This storyline kept this reader engaged from the beginning to the very end. Definitely looking forward to her next book. She is a wonderful storyteller and crafts characters that you enjoy reading about. This again was a wonder holiday read. 

Meghan Hollie Fragile (Cedar Lakes University Series) Book 2 of 3: Cedar Lakes University Series

 

 Quinn

I have been in love with my brother’s best friend for as long as I can remember.

And he has no idea.

He doesn’t see me the way I see him. He doesn’t see past the platonic friendship we’ve built since we were little.

Miles Cooper is destined for greatness, on the path to NFL glory, only behind his superstar facade hides a dark secret.

One I never thought possible.

Now, he needs me in a way that could break my naive heart. But isn’t it better to have loved and lost than never loved at all?

Miles

I’ve got my entire future ahead of me, meticulously planned right to the second I graduate.

Until suddenly, it’s not.

I’m drowning, sinking fast into deep waters. The only life preserver, my best friend’s little sister.

Quinn Dawson is good and kind and sweet, and the more time I spend with her, the more I notice things I’ve not seen before.

She’s the calm to my storm, the light in the dark. The only one who sees how fragile I really am.

But will she still love my broken pieces when she discovers my secret?

I want to be worthy of her, I’m just not sure I am.

My Personal Review, Thoughts, and no spoilers. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Read by Me!

What another great read by the author. I really enjoyed the storyline and the characters in the book. I enjoyed Miles & Quinns story. This honestly was just a really great read. It definitely was a roller skating rink of emotions for this reader. Looking forward to what the author writes next.

Meagan Williamson Where the Black Line Ends

 

Reed Morgan thrives on chasing adventure. It’s why he doesn’t hesitate when he lands a spot on a mid-season wildland firefighting crew in the Payette National Forest. It’s the perfect opportunity for the guy who just lost the love of his life to his best friend and whose family rarely notices him. It’s not exactly diving out of airplanes, but it’s miles away from the opposite gender. Or so he thought.

Hailey Hart has spent her entire life seeking the approval of her father—a man married to his job. When the chance to work alongside his fire crew arises, she jumps at it. If he can see her as the EMT her mom once was, maybe he’ll finally give her the time of day.

After Reed and Hailey share a memorable first encounter on an airplane, they find themselves working together. They have two months to gain the trust and admiration of the one person they are both seeking approval from—the Iron Summit Superintendent. Neither one of them has time for a distraction.

But some wildfires start unexpectedly. And theirs is proving hard to put out.

My personal review, my own thoughts, & no spoilers. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Read by ME!

This was a beautifully written story from beginning to the very end. I was really taken in with the Authors way of storytelling. I definitely was on a roller coaster ride of emotions and felt a connection to these characters. This was a story that will definitely stay with me for quite sometime. I will be adding this story to one of my personal favorites of 2024. I am thoroughly looking forward to what this author writes next.

Ariana St. Claire Check My Body, Grump (Montreal Triumph Hockey) Part of: Montreal Triumph Hockey (4 books)

 

 When your older, masked Halloween hook-up turns out to be your new stepdad's oldest son whom you've never met...and now, he's been traded to your home team. An age gap hockey grumpy/sunshine romance...

Coleman Sunders was the veteran grumpy All-Star who knew exactly what he wanted. The first time he saw her, pink and purple hair, across the arena, he wanted her. And now, he's the newest member of the Montreal Triumph. In the same city where Eden is.

Eden

I have a stalker. Eyes on me. But for one night, I want to forget. And the Montreal Triumph Halloween Haunted House is the perfect place to forget all my real-world fears. Little did I know my whole world would change forever after he touched me.

Cole

She's mine. From the first time I laid eyes on her, I knew she would change everything. From Seattle to Montreal, I'd do anything for her. Make her dreams and fantasies come true. Even if the first time I touch her she won't know who I am...

And now things will never be the same because Eden can never be mine. But I'll make sure no one hurts her. No matter what I have to do to protect her.

Check My Body, Grump is the first book in the all-new Montreal Triumph Hockey series. Montreal Triumph Hockey. Possessive. Obsession. MINE. These #hockeyboys don't always play by the rules.

My Personal Review, Thoughts, & No Spoilers. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Read by ME!!

Another great read by the Author.  I enjoyed Eden & Coles Story. The story definitely kept this reader interested and invested from beginning to the end. Cole was definitely a favorite character for sure. Great read by one of my favorite Authors. If you like Halloween Theme reads Hockey, this one’s definitely for you. 

L. Renee Richard Twisted Tides (Forged Hearts Series) Book 2 of 2: Forged Hearts Series

 

He stole their past. They'll reclaim their future.

Three of the hardest things I have ever had to do:

1. Not being able to protect my family from Julian.
2. Breaking a promise to my sister.
3. Pretending I was dead.

The tides turned the day Julian took everything from us.

My only regret is that I wasn't able to save my parents. My sister thinks I died in that fire, but it was necessary to save her life.

My heart twisted, grieving at seeing her alone and at his mercy. I’ve been watching from afar, waiting and biding my time. All of the secrets and twisted lies will come to light.

The element of surprise will be his demise. But exacting revenge doesn’t come without consequences. Now it’s time to finish this war we've started.

Now, reunited with my sister and our families, how far will we go to win it all?

My Personal Review, No Spoilers, & A ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read by ME!

What a great read by the Author. I enjoyed her writing style and it definitely was a roller skating rink of emotions. This story kept me on the edge of my seat. I enjoyed reading about Jameson and Evie. They definitely had chemistry. This was a very good Mafia read. I am looking forward to get next story. 

Kelsey Woods Wilder Than Fate

 

Rosie ran from one type of danger…headlong into another. 

Rosie Milne is trapped again, and her first reaction is to run. But is she ready to go it alone in such a desolate world? The man in camouflage could be another type of trouble, but after he shows her kindness, something tells her he’s anything but. 

After being separated from his platoon, Captain Mason Wilder is determined to find his closest friend amongst a city crawling with undead. He just needs somewhere to lay his head for the night. But will he remember his special forces training, or does exhaustion take over, and lead him to someone he didn’t even know he was looking for?

Meeting each other is mere fate, but working together as a team is a choice. One thing is certain: Wilder and Rosie won’t let anything tear them apart, human or otherwise.

My Personal Review, My own thoughts, & no Spoilers & ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Read by Me!!

I enjoyed this read by the author. It held my interest and was a quick read for this reader. I enjoyed reading about Rosie & Captain Mason Wilder. This story kept me interested from the first to the last page. Looking forward to what the author writes next. 

Andrea Jenelle and 2 more Cece Wainwright’s Christmas Wish: Wainwright Sisters #3 (The Wainwright Sisters) Part of: The Wainwright Sisters (3 books)

 

 Tropes: Grinch vs. Cindy Lou; Scarred, reclusive war hero; Epistolary; Widow; Forced Proximity

Cece Wainwright married her childhood sweetheart and lost him at Balaclava six years ago. The only thing she has to remind her of him is the stack of letters he wrote her.

And now there’s a second stack sitting beside it - the ones she wrote him. They arrived via post three weeks ago from some remote Scottish hamlet.

She wants to know who sent them and why. Because she’s suspected all along that her husband didn’t pen those letters.

Malcolm Lockhart fell in love with his best friend’s wife through her correspondence. And his friend was ecstatic when Malcolm volunteered to answer her letters.

He kept the letters after the war. Until he couldn’t stand the sight of them because they reminded him of all the hopes and dreams he’d abandoned.

Now she’s standing on his doorstep demanding answers he’s not ready to give.

My Personal Thoughts, No Spoilers, & ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ by ME!! 

What a great storyline and cast of characters. I really enjoyed reading this Holiday story. It definitely had all the feels and kept this reader engaged & invested. Cece and Mal & definitely two characters that will stay with this reader for quite sometime. I have always loved the way this writer writes. It definitely was a roller skating rink of emotions and just so beautifully written. 

Tory Baker Midnight Confessions Part of: Midnight Falls, Texas (6 books)

 

Amos Ellison never imagined he’d fall for his sister’s quiet best friend, but that’s exactly what’s happening. 

Genevieve has always been a mystery to him--her shyness turning every encounter into a silent puzzle. When Amos is near, she retreats, leaving him questioning if he’s done something wrong. Her nervousness is enough to give this cowboy a complex.

Fate has other plans.

An unexpected road trip forces them closer together and the miles bring more than just a change of scenery. As their journey unfolds and night falls, long-buried confessions and hidden desires come to light. In the intimacy of the dark, they find themselves unraveling the secrets they’ve kept from each other and discovering a connection Genevieve never anticipated.

Welcome to Midnight Falls, Texas, the small town that's big on Halloween. Literally. Around here, the festivities don't end. But finding forever in a town big on scares hasn't been easy for the lovelorn residents. Until now. This Halloween, everything changes. Love is in the air, and these matches were written in the stars. All these hunky alphas have to do to claim their spooky-ever-after is prove themselves worthy of the sassy women who drive them wild. No love potions, spells, or magic needed.

My Review, Thoughts, & No Spoilers. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Read by ME!!

What another great story from one of my favorite authors. This story definitely did not disappoint this reader and I enjoyed reading about Amos & Genevieve. It definitely pulled on my heart strings and held my interest. The characters were relatable and I enjoyed the story. What a great read.  

Australia D Kincannon The Phantom's Melody

 

 "Accidental time travel, murder, and a dangerous masked man? When I said I needed some magic in my life, this was not what I meant."

Blurb: 

MELODY REILLY was desperate for some magic, a spark of life to make her feel anything again. That's what the thirty-five-year-old was hoping to find when gifted a once-in-a-lifetime trip to New York City to see her all-time favorite musical adaption, Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera, before it ended after its thirty-five-year run.

What she didn't expect was the magic to send her to 1880 Paris, France, running for her life.

Meanwhile, ERIQUE - le Fantôme who terrorized the famous Paris Opera house - downs the grand chandelier during the final performance of the season, delighting in the chaos that ensued. Certain this will have his obsession, Christine Daae', starring on his stage and taking his hand in marriage, whether she wanted to or not.

Until he stumbled into the strange American woman who tormented his dreams and awakened his soul.

Or at least what was left of it.

(recommended 18+ for adult situations, violence and language)

My Review, my thoughts, & no spoilers. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Read by Me. 

What a wonderful debut from the author. I have always loved musicals especially The Phantom of the Opera so this story definitely peaked this readers interest. Melody Reilly was a fun character to read about. I really was intrigued by the time travel in the story. This story definitely had mystery and plenty of roller coaster ride emotions throughout the story. I really was captivated by the story and I really enjoyed it from the first to the last page. I am looking forward to more stories from this author in the future.

Harlow James Someone You Deserve: Carrington Cove Book 2 (Carrington Cove Series) Book 2 of 5: Carrington Cove Series

 

Rule number one of bro-code: exes, sisters—and of course, wives—are off-limits.

Don’t think about them and sure as hell don’t kiss them.

But what if your best friend dies, and suddenly you want the woman who has always been his?

Four years ago my childhood friend lost his life serving our country, and Astrid and her kids became my responsibility.

But before I knew it, something started to shift between us.

Her smile started to make my stomach twist. Our conversations gave me something to look forward to. And working with her made me appreciate just how strong she truly was.

But then one night, I did the one thing I shouldn’t have but couldn’t fight any longer—I kissed her.

She pushed me away, told me it was a mistake, and begged me to forget it ever happened.

And then she shoved me deep and fully into the friendzone, where I’ve resided since then.

Until one instance changes everything and I know for certain she’s the woman I want.

Just when I think we’re on the same page, a secret from our past threatens to destroy our future.

I shouldn’t want my best friend’s widow.

I shouldn’t care what other people think.

But in the end, the only thing that matters is being someone Astrid deserves, and I’ll stop at nothing until she believes that too.

My Personal Review, Thoughts, & No Spoilers. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

What another great read by the author. This is the second book in the series & definitely did not disappoint. I enjoyed reading Penn and Astrid’s story. These are two characters that will definitely stick with me for awhile. I am really enjoying the Covington Cove series. I cannot wait to see what happens next. This storyline definitely held this readers interest from beginning to end.