Book reviews – Page 2 – Hey Candi! What are you reading???

Book Review: WINNING THE COWBOY by Kennedy Fox

Blurb:

Working on the ranch and settling down is all Grayson’s ever wanted in life. When he meets the woman who could make that a reality, he learns she hates him with every fiber of her being.

He knows she’s being unreasonable since their bickering is the hottest foreplay he’s ever had.

Mackenzie Bishop’s an elementary school teacher and can tolerate a lot, until it comes to Grayson. He may act like he doesn’t remember what he did, but Kenzie will never forget. Not when the memory of that night still lingers in her mind years later.

She denies her attraction, but she can’t hide it forever, especially when there’s no escaping him.

Although she refuses to give him the time of day, they form a truce and everything changes—just not in the way he expected.
**Winning the Cowboy is a complete stand-alone and can be read without reading any of the other books or spin-off series, but if you prefer to read in order, start with Hitching the Cowboy as the characters and families do interconnect.**

Review:

Read in one sitting, I loved it so much. Mackenzie and Grayson were always meant to be.

The banter. The pranks. I was very entertained. I couldn’t stop laughing at the pranks they came up with – original.

It was great to see how Grayson came to Circle B ranch and to get his backstory, as we read about both these characters in the previous books of the Circle B Ranch series.

Kenzie just made woman look good. A kindergarten teacher with the need to give back. Follows in her mother’s footsteps by becoming a teacher then going out of her way for her students.

Grayson is hurt and needs a new start. Why not get a fresh start on a ranch where he can meet the love of his life who is his match in every way.

This book was another reminder of why I enjoy reading Kennedy Fox books.

Can’t wait for the next book in the series.

The Circle B Ranch Series is available on all platforms. Start from the beginning, you won’t regret it.

Rating:

Book Review: LEGACY by Nora Roberts

Synopsis

Thoughts of her lived in that angry and patient brain. But there was time, so much time yet. And there were others. Many others who would come before.

Adrian Rizzo is a beautiful young woman with a successful business, and a wonderful family and friends. She’s worked hard to build a happy life for herself. When she receives a death threat in the post, she puts it down to jealousy and tries to forget about it. But Adrian doesn’t realise that it’s more than just spite. Someone is very unhappy about her happy life and will stop at nothing to bring it all crashing down.

My Thoughts:

Well one thing is for sure. Nora Roberts never disappoints.

I loved this book. It took me a while to read because… life; but I didn’t want it to stop. It was page turning from the first chapter.

Another thrilling book with a strong female lead and just as strong secondary characters. Women may the target but they’re are certainly not weak and useless.

This is a story of family, friends, community. The book has three parts namely: Ambitions; Changes; Legacies.

A story of building yourself up. Taking control of your life. Doing what is best for you and your family. A story of grief and loss and pushing through the hard times.

Murder. Love. It has it all. A little doggie love story too. and some seriously smart attentive kids.

I rated this a thrilling ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Jonathan Ball Publishers for gifting me a copy for review.

Book Review: WHILE PARIS SLEPT by Ruth Druart

Synopsis: (taken from Goodreads)

A family’s love is tested when heroes-turned-criminals are forced to make the hardest decisions of their lives in this unforgettably moving story of love, resistance, and the lasting consequences of the Second World War.

After. Santa Cruz, California, 1953. Jean-Luc and Charlotte Beauchamps have left their war-torn memories of Paris behind to live a quiet life in America with their son, Sam. They have a house in the suburbs, they’ve learned to speak English, and they have regular get-togethers with their outgoing American neighbors. Every minute in California erases a minute of their lives before — before the Germans invaded their French homeland and incited years of violence, hunger, and fear. But their taste of the American Dream shatters when officers from the U.N. Commission on War Crimes pull-up outside their home and bring Jean-Luc in for questioning.

Before. Paris, France, 1944. Germany has occupied France for four years. Jean-Luc works at the railway station at Bobigny, where thousands of Jews travel each day to be “resettled” in Germany. But Jean-Luc and other railway employees can’t ignore the rumors or what they see on the tracks: too many people are packed into the cars, and bodies are sometimes left to be disposed of after a train departs. Jean-Luc’s unease turns into full-blown panic when a young woman with bright green eyes bursts from the train one day alongside hundreds of screaming, terrified passengers, and pushes a warm, squirming bundle into his arms.

Told from alternating perspectives, While Paris Slept reflects on the power of love, loss, and the choices a mother will make to ensure the survival of her child. At once a visceral portrait of family ties and a meditation on nurture’s influence over identity, this heartbreaking debut will irreversibly take hold of your heart.

Review:

This book had my emotions all over the place.

I loved it. A beautiful story of love, sacrifice, trust and resilience. A story of starting over. A story of suffering.

Beautifully written. Captivating. I wish I had one full day to just sit and read it because once I started it I didn’t want to put it down.

I closed the book with tears in my eyes and my emotions running wild. It took me a while to get back to reality.

If you love historical stories and those that tug at your heartstrings then this book is for you.

Get cozy. Grab your favourite beverage and sit back and travel back in time to Paris with this book.

I’ve given this story ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Jonathan Ball Publishers for this copy to review

Book Review: KISSING THE COWBOY by Kennedy Fox

Blurb:

After drinking a bottle of wine, Harper tells her business rival that she recently got engaged. Once the hangover wears off, Harper realizes she now needs a fake fiancé or to admit she lied. Wanting to avoid the backlash, she asks her childhood best friend for a favor.

She can pretend she’s not in love with him, but her traitorous body reveals otherwise.

Ethan Bishop will do anything for Harper, even if it’s crazy and means risking his heart. Pretending to be engaged to the woman he’s always loved proves to be difficult—especially when repressed feelings bubble to the surface.

He only wants to help, but everyone in his life sees through his façade.

It’s hard to know what’s real or fake when their private moments turn intimate. When they cross the line and fall between the sheets, the truth is undeniable.

Just as they feared, their friendship’s no longer the same. However, one thing’s certain—there’s no going back now.

**Kissing the Cowboy is a complete stand-alone and can be read without reading any of the other books or spin-off series, but if you prefer to read in order, start with Hitching the Cowboy as the characters and families do interconnect.**

Binge Read books 1 – 5 that is now available

Review:

Pretending to be in love with someone you’re truly in love with is hard work.

This is the case for these two love birds, Ethan and Harper. They’ve been pining for each other for years and basically keeping their feelings to themselves for the sake of their friendship.

Once again, Kennedy Fox kept us laughing and frustrated with the Bishop family. Grandma Bishop made her usual appearance showing us all who really is the boss of the family.

I love this family and I’m loving this second generation series. I’ve read all the Bishop stories and it’s a hoot with every book released.

Can’t wait for the next book to be released.

Start the Bishop Brothers Series with Taming Him and follow it up with the Circle B Ranch Series where you meet the grandchildren.

Ethan and Harper got 💚💚💚💚

Book Review: MY REWARD by Jennifer Hanks

Blurb:

In Noah Striker’s world, control is everything.

Throughout his life, he’s learned the ramifications of trusting another person and refuses to be seen as weak or vulnerable again. The only person he wants the world to see is the hard, unbending man he’s become.

But that all changes when he’s assigned to protect Beth Sullivan.

For four years, he watches quietly from a distance, never understanding his need to keep her safe or the loyalty he feels, but when another threatens her, keeping his distance is no longer an option.

Neither is denying the passion that’s always lingered between them.

With an enemy on the hunt, Noah Striker will face the fight of his life.

But can he relinquish the control he’s always believed saved him in order to save her?

Review:

I waited so long for this book and it has finally arrived.

The story continues with the Elite Security family. And like all the books in this series I couldn’t put it down.

Beth and Striker are both quiet, hurt souls. They don’t know how to behave around each other, but what they know is that there is a pull towards each other.

A story of starting over, friendship, brotherhood, family and love.

Jennifer Hanks knows how to write a good romantic suspense.

I loved it.

Striker and Beth got 💛💛💛💛

Book Review: THE WHISPER MAN by Alex North

“If you leave a door half open, soon you’ll hear the whispers spoken.
If you play outside alone, soon you won’t be going home.
If your window’s left unlatched, you’ll hear him tapping at the glass.
If you’re lonely, sad and blue, the Whisper Man will come for you.”

Synopsis:

When Tom and his son Jake move to Featherbank, they’re looking for a fresh start.

But this sleepy village has a dark past – fifteen years earlier a serial killer haunted it’s streets. In the days before he struck, his young victims claimed to hear whispers in the night.

Of course, an old crime need not trouble Tom and Jake.

Until another boy goes missing.

And then Jake says he hears a whispering at his window…

Review:

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The only reason I didn’t read it in one sitting was because it creeped me out at night and I love to read at night. So I opted to read it during the day, which helped a little bit.

It’s a story of a boy who is different. A policeman needing to close a 20 yr old case. A dad trying desperately to understand his son.

I loved the characters. I enjoyed the different POVs we got read. Well written.

Definitely on my recommend list.

The Whisper Man received 4.5 stars from me!

Book Review: BOSSING THE COWBOY by Kennedy Fox

**Single dad, workplace, small town romance**

Synopsis

After surviving a messy divorce and custody battle, Dr. Connor Wallen quickly became married to his job. Helping animals is the perfect distraction from his crazy ex, but he finds it difficult to concentrate when an attractive woman joins his veterinary clinic. Getting involved with someone who works for him would only lead to disaster, so staying professional is key.

He tries to ignore her, but their chemistry is undeniable.

Elizabeth Bishop can’t stand her boss or how he treats her, but there aren’t many job options in small-town Texas. No matter what she does, it’s never good enough for Connor, but she continues trying to impress him anyway.

She’ll never admit she’s attracted to him and denies it every chance she gets.

Avoiding him is impossible, but Elle keeps her distance whenever possible. After his walls start to crumble, she knows her feelings aren’t one-sided. She’s tired of playing his games and is ready to prove who’s really in control.

Although he pushes her away, she’s determined to pull him closer—showing him exactly what they’ve both been missing.

**Bossing the Cowboy is a complete stand-alone and can be read without reading any of the other books or spin-off series, but if you prefer to read in order, start with Hitching the Cowboy as the characters and families do interconnect.**

My Review:

Ooh I wanna be part of the Bishop Family.

I’ve been waiting for Elizabeth’s story since Maize found her true love in Wrangling The Cowboy

I must say Kennedy Fox delivered with this one once again.

I loved Elizabeth and Connor. Broody. Alpha. Bossy. Strong female. Great work ethic. Love of animals. Single parent. It’s all in here.

This story kept me turning the pages waiting for Connor to finally give in and take what he wants.

I was laughing, crying, cheering throughout.

I loved that Grandma Bishop made her appearance again with her meddling lol.

And little Olivia of course stole the show too.

This series just gets better and better and I can’t wait for the next installment.

Elizabeth and Connor gets 💚💚💚💚💚

***BINGE READ THE CIRCLE B RANCH SERIES AVAILABLE ON ALL PLATFORMS***

Book Review: BAD BLOODS: CORRUPT GODS DUET by Cora Kenborn & Catherine Wiltcher

***From Cora Kenborn and Catherine Wiltcher comes Corrupt Gods, a brand new arranged marriage mafia duet.***

Synopsis:

A Santiago is a lesson in ruin.
A Carrera bleeds for revenge.

Thalia Santiago is the daughter of my enemy.
A beautiful rebel with a single cause.
Impulsive.
Fearless.
And ripe for her father’s undoing.

I recognized her the moment she stepped into my casino.
I watched her start the fires that burned her pretty fingers, and then I poured gasoline on the flames.
Now she’s in my debt, and her dues are a shiny gold ring and a vow of deception.

I’ll bend her.
I’ll break her.
I’ll turn our mockery of a marriage into a battlefield.
And that river of bad blood that flows between our two families?
I’ll make it an ocean of hate.

*This is book 1 of a new dark romance duet, releasing May 12th. Tainted Blood, book 2, releases June 9th.
**Bad Blood is set in the Santiago and Carrera worlds, but it is not necessary to have read either trilogy beforehand.

My Review:

“The sins of the father are to be laid upon the children”
William Shakespeare

It was great to get back into the world of Dante Santiago. I haven’t read the Carrera Cartel Trilogy yet but I certainly am going to get acquainted with them before the next book in this duet.

I loved it. After the wedding day scene I couldn’t help but wonder how this was going to go.

Thalia Santiago the enemy to Santi Carrera or so they’re told throughout their lives. They’re enemies. The hate lust between these two is sizzling.

True to the theme of dark romance. The book covers violence and trafficking. So trigger warning ⚠️

If you’re into cartel romances or mafia romances the this is the book for you.

I can’t wait to see what happens next and whether a truce is called between these enemies or if a new war is started.

Book Review: A GUY WALKS INTO MY BAR by Lauren Blakely

Synopsis:

A sexy, passionate, utterly addictive standalone MM romance from #1 NYT Bestseller Lauren Blakely!

Every bartender should follow one simple rule—don’t go home with the customers.

That’s been easy for me to stick to, until the night a cocky, confident, and sinfully charming hockey star walks into my bar. This sexy athlete is too hard to resist, especially when he makes it clear how much he wants the “sarcastic, witty, hot AF” guy behind the bar—also known as me.

Still, I’m not keen on breaking my own rules since I know where that can lead—no place good.

But when that man makes his case with one bone-searing kiss on the streets of London, I throw resistance out the window.

What could go wrong with a hot, dirty, no-strings-attached fling before he leaves town in five days?

Trouble is, soon our nights together lead to days, to long conversations, to getting to know each other, and to something I never expected—falling ridiculously hard for a man who’s getting on a plane to America when I live a world away.

My life is here. His is there. And no amount of falling or feeling will change that one big problem.

Warning: contains hot hotel sex, loads of dirty talk, PDA all over London, and two sexy, witty, charming alpha heroes…

My Review:

Lord have mercy this book is H O T AF!!!! I read the book & listened to the audiobook and sigh 🥰.
This was my first MM Romance and it was so much more than I expected. I loved the banter, the dialogue and all the characters. I loved this story so so much. The whole story was incredible. Fitz and Dean are just amazing together. This book is full of sexy, flirty banter and will have you in stitches at the conversation. And did I mention that it is hot as hell???
Love it! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Review: THAT SWOONY FEELING by Meghan Quinn

USA Today bestselling author Meghan Quinn brings more humor and heart with the fourth novel of her Getting Lucky series: a story about breaking curses and finally finding that swoony feeling.

I’m single . . . so single it’s painful.

Yup, ladies, Brig Knightly–that’s me–is still a lonely bachelor, stumbling through the streets of Port Snow, looking for the girl he’s supposed to end up with.

That is until my brother, Rogan, presents me with the opportunity of a lifetime. The Summer of Love, a secret pen pal program in Port Snow is looking for applicants and I’m the perfect fit.

I couldn’t sign up fast enough.

I found myself quickly falling in love with a pair of red lips at the bottom of a letter. Just like in the movies . . .

Life could not have been better, that was until I started hanging out with Ruth Barber. Starting a new business right next to my shop, I found myself gravitating toward her. Her smile, her humor . . . her tea sandwiches.

My attraction for Ruth came in full force, leaving me dazed, confused, and *ahem* excited.

As new feelings for two women come to a screeching halt, I have to figure out who to choose. But when I discover my pen pal is Ruth, it might be too late.

All I want in life is to experience that swoony feeling . . . but I think I might have just missed my chance.

This was the sweetest love story I ever did read this year!!!!!!!!!!

It really had me swooning.

Gosh, Brig is a moron, but an adorable one, so he is forgiven.

And who knew that the shy girl behind the counter serving coffee, had such a sassy mouth!

These two are adorable. Funny, easy to read and if you’re a softy like me, you’ll be in tears (HAPPY TEARS).

It’s a truly romantic story!!!!!!!!!!