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Book Review: Always Mine/Always Yours (Roommate Duet #6) Liam & Maddie by Kennedy Fox

Synopsis

Always Mine #1

College parties, beer, and one-night stands—that was my life.

Now, I hunt down criminals, ethically or not, but if no one’s asking, then I’m not telling. Drinking and women are still included, though I can’t seem to forget the girl who almost gave me her virginity. She would’ve until I realized she was too young, and I wasn’t looking to get thrown into jail.

In a twist of fate, we’re reunited, except she’s no longer underage but still equally off-limits. After ignoring her relentless advances, she starts to wear me down. I only have so much willpower when she’s around, running her smart mouth and showing off her impeccable dance moves.

Just when my restraint starts to crumble, my poor choices finally catch up with me, putting us both in danger.

There’s no easy way to explain why I betrayed her, but I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe—even if it means breaking her heart

Always Yours #2

Rehearsals, leotards, and textbooks—that was my life.

Dancing is all I’ve ever known, but when Liam’s problems turn everything upside down, I’m thrust into a world I know nothing about. Secrets and betrayal changed the man I’ve fallen for and he isn’t who I thought he was. Regardless, Liam is all I’ve ever wanted and though I’m struggling with my emotions, deep down I’d do anything for him.

When Liam admitted his true feelings, things finally fell into place. Now they’re falling apart. Saving our relationship is his top priority, but keeping him alive is mine. Corruption and power are their game and Liam is nothing more than a pawn. Playing by the rules won’t end well, but I can’t let him fight alone this time.

Our happily ever after is so close I can taste it, but then it quickly crashes and burns, threatening to destroy us. Giving up on the love of my life isn’t an option, but in the end I might not be able to save him.

ALWAYS YOURS is a slow-burn, intense romance wrapped up in a suspenseful beautiful love story. It’s book 2 in the Liam & Madelyn duet and must be read in order.

My Review

Well now…

I have waited for this duet since I read Mason’s & Sophie’s story MONTHS ago. Then on 7 January 2020, I received my pre-ordered copy of Always Mine and refused to read it until I received the second book. Why? Because I knew that Kennedy Fox would end book 1 with a cliffhanger and I would want to dive into book 2 immediately. And… that’s exactly what happened.

I loved how we got to see how they really met even after getting to know each of these two from the beginning of this series.

Maddie said she was going to break Liam down and boy did she. Liam knew exactly what he was doing with her and it all worked out in the end.

I especially loved how we still got to see the other characters we got to know from the previous duets as well and got to journey with them and watch them grow.

This book had me going through all the feels and I can only imagine what the authors were going through when writing it.

Maddie, the youngest of the Corrigan sisters. Liam the reckless one of the three friends. The just fit. They’re both carefree characters, it made sense that they would end up together. Their banter is hilarious. Maddie and her sassy mouth had me in stitches for the most part, but she had me in tears when she discovers how Liam really feels and the lengths he would go to protect her.

This is a slow-burn suspenseful romance that will have you turning the pages laughing and in tears.

My rating for this book is 41/2 / 5

Book Review: The SEAL’s Baby Deal by Katie Knight

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Synopsis

Navy SEAL David Hettinger has never wanted kids—not with his job…and not with a past that has shown love isn’t for him. But when his lifelong best friend, Eleanor Thornton, shows up looking gorgeous and asking for a big favor, he’ll have to rethink his stance on playing Baby Daddy.

Wildlife photographer Ele knows she wants a baby—romantic partner not included. A heartbreaking marriage and messy divorce have her convinced that a traditional family is not for her. And who better to make a no-strings-attached baby with than her BFF David? He has zero interest in parenthood or a serious relationship. Besides, she’s always wondered what it would feel like to be wrapped up in those sexy, alpha male arms…

When their babymaking soon leads to a positive pregnancy test, David and Ele are each secretly disappointed that their contracted time is cut short. Especially after David is deployed, leaving Ele to give birth to their daughter on her own. Its only when she reunites with David while on assignment in the African rainforest that their passion that never went away is reignited. But when the area is gripped by a dangerous insurgency, all of David’s fears about getting too close come rushing back. How can he possibly have a future with Ele when he can’t guarantee they’ll survive the day?

Love is life’s greatest adventure in this sizzling SEAL romantic suspense from Katie Knight!

My Review:

*Spoilers alert*

OK, so what’s up with Ele? Like, you’re in the middle of danger, literally in an almost war zone and you’re being stubborn. And David? Break the rules for once in your life dammit!!!!

These two characters seemed like total opposites, yet they love each other for who and what they are, being friends their whole life seemed to make it easy to do just that. So when David runs into Ele and his daughter Rose, he can’t help but want them in his life. Ele, having put specific terms in the contract, made David a little weary of getting to know his daughter.

I think Ele knew exactly what she was doing when she set the terms of the contract and David, even though he was skeptical signed on the dotted line because let’s face it, he would’ve done anything for her.

It’s a story of friendship and unconditional love. David wasn’t taught how to love, he was taught that he needed to earn someone’s love. Ele accepted him her whole life, then turned it upside down with that damn contract.

I like the fact that there was some suspense to the book. Being in a war zone, having to hide. Being stopped by the insurgents. Although Ele could’ve been a little less of a brat and more protective of her daughter especially knowing that David would never let anything happen to either of them. That kinda got on my nerves about her.

I always enjoy a good military romance. This was an enjoyable read.

3/5 stars

Kids Book Review: Superhero Gran by Timothy Knapman; Illustrated by Joe Berger

I received a copy of this book from Jonathan Ball Publishers for an honest review

Synopsis

All Grans are great and full of fun, but we know one who can make every day the best… our Superhero Gran!

Gran may not look like a superhero, but she can plan super sleepovers, tells super-funny stories, and she can even put together super disguises!

A humorous celebration of all the amazing things a gran can do, perfect for special grans and their superhero grandchildren.

My Reveiw:

This story is sooooo cute! It’s the story of grandmothers and how great they are.

I’ve been told that it’s a grandparent’s prerogative to spoil their grandkids! In my experience… this is the truth!

This little story explains how super cool grandma’s are and how they do things that mom and dad don’t necessarily do for kids.

I loved reading it and I am sure all children will enjoy hearing about how their grandma is a superhero, because let’s face it, grandma’s are super cool!

My Rating: 5/5

Book Review: Hitching the Cowboy (Circle B Ranch, #1) by Kennedy Fox

Synopsis:

Wedding bells are the last thing on twenty-two year old Riley Bishop’s mind, but that’s exactly what he hears after waking up in Vegas next to a woman he just met—his new wife.
He never saw her coming, but she might be worth the risk.

Zoey Mitchell is high on life, free spirited, and adventurous. However, learning she married a rowdy cowboy after a night of partying is not what she expected—even for her.
She’s risking it all, gambling with her heart.

Deciding to give their instant marriage a chance, Zoey moves from her big city life to a small town Texas ranch. She has to know if their connection is based on more than just a wild one-night stand before announcing to her family that she got hitched.

One moment changes everything—for better or worse—and a secret could destroy them both.

**This is a full-length stand-alone novel in the Circle B Ranch series and a spin-off from the Bishop Brothers series. You don’t need to read any of the other books beforehand to enjoy this one!**

My Review:

OK, so this book reminded me a lot of Alex’s book Taming Him. It seems that Riley is very much like his dad.

Kennedy Fox has done it again with the Bishop family.

With this being the next generation of Bishops, the story continues and we get to see a glimpse of our favourite characters from the previous series.

Hitching the Cowboy was a lovely read and I am sure that book 2 in the series is going to be just as great.

Book Review: Back to You (You, #1) by C. Standing

Synopsis:

One night.
That’s all it took to ruin my entire life.
One. Fucking. Night.
I lost everything. My beautiful best friend. My soulmate. My reason for breathing.
The love of my life. My end game.
She was all of those things and more.
Ashley Davis owns my heart, and every day without her has been pure torture.
Hell, I’d rather be tortured than live like this.
Without her, I’m empty. A shell of the man I used to be.
The man I wish I still was.
I never expected to see her again, but now that I have, I won’t let her out of my sight.
Eight years ago, I made a mistake.
An epic, fucking mistake. I won’t screw up again.
Ashley Davis is my girl, and it’s about goddamn time she realizes it.
Ashley, baby, I’m coming for you.

(Rome & Ashley’s story)

Story told in dual POVs

18+ only due to graphic sexual content and language

My Review:

So I enjoyed this book!

Rome! What a guy! A bit overprotective, but loves fiercely. Ashley was a bit nerve wrecking, but then again that’s because she was a bit naive in my opinion.

I loved that Rome never gave up and after eight years of being apart, he finally made his move to get back into her life and stay this time.

It was a good read and I look forward to reading more from this author.

Book Review: Fighting For Grace (Worth the Fight #6) by Hope Ford

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Synopsis

Evan

I’m down on my luck and out of patience.

If I can’t fight, who am I?

I still go to the gym every day to train and get better.

When I get talked into teaching self-defense lessons, I never expected to meet her.

She’s sweet, innocent… and in trouble.

Injured or not, I’m fighting for Grace.

I’m in it now, and it’s going to be the fight of my life.

This is a Steamy, Sweet, Short Story Romance. No Cliffhangers. This is the sixth story in the Worth The Fight Series. If you love short romances with insta love, hot love scenes, and a sweet story, then this one is for you.

Make sure you check out the other books in the Worth The Fight Series:
Fighting for Hope – Olivia T. Turner
Fighting for the Forbidden – Frankie Love
Fighting for Faith – Aria Cole and Mila Crawford
Fighting for Dylan – Abby Knox
Fighting for Honor – Dani Wyatt
Fighting for Grace – Hope Ford

My Review:

Evan & Grace… Victim and Protector. That is what this story is about. When Evan sees Grace for the first time, he immediately knows that he needs to help her. Grace scared out of her mind and vows never to get involved with a fighter again, is reluctant to get involved with Evan, but cannot resist his protectiveness.

I really enjoy Hope Ford’s books, but I wanted more out of this story. I feel like I missed out on a lot of the in between in what happened with Grace and her previous relationship. How Evan ended up being the way he is.

Although I liked the story, I would have liked it to be a little longer with a little more detail.

Book Review: The Hitman’s Desire: A Mafia Romance (John’s book Book 1)

Synopsis:

When you’re almost killed, not once, but twice, finding out your father is a mafia boss doesn’t seem so bad.
What is bad, though, is the feelings I’m trying to hide toward John, my father’s personal assassin.
With his brooding, bad boy aura and intense blue eyes, I know he could command anything from me and I would obey.
His eyes, though sinister, say they want to touch me, to kiss me, to cross that line we know is forbidden.
I feel drawn to him. His presence calls to me like a beacon.
Even though my father took him in and molded him into what he is today—a merciless killer— my father will be even more merciless when it comes to his only heir. Nothing but a brutal and violent death will be waiting for John if my father ever finds out.
But I don’t know if either of us are strong enough to stay away.

(Disclaimer: this is a mature, new adult book with explicit sex scenes and violence. 18+ readers only.)

My Review:

I enjoyed it. Read it in one sitting.

Ruby & John are very protective over each other. They’re both complicated in their own way.

And with all Mafia related stories their has to be some danger. But even this can’t keep them apart. They compliment each other.

It’s a forbidden love story that can’t be kept a secret for long because their emotions give them away.

Book Review: Broken Elite (The Darlington Elite, #1) by Waverly Alexander

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Synopsis

Patrick

Everly is lying to me about my sister’s death. I don’t know what she’s hiding, but I’ve made it my mission to break her down until I know every last detail. Our broken pieces will match, and she’ll know the soul-crushing agony I feel when I look at her. I hate that I want her. Unequivocally, the need I feel for her is stronger than I’ll ever be. If she thinks she isn’t still mine, she’s lying to herself, too.

She used to look at me like I was everything to her.
She’ll look at me that way again.
I can promise you that.

Everly

My best friend is dead, and I can’t tell anyone her secret. Patrick thinks I’m protecting myself. But really, I’m protecting him. He’s in pain, and knowing I’m the reason is utter torture. The truth will cut him far deeper than losing whatever it is we had. I’ll give him what he needs, even if it means he’ll hate me forever.

He wants to break me.
He’s too late.
My world shattered the day I chose to lie to him.

Includes a happily ever after, but main plot points continue on to the next book in the series. Each book features a new couple in The Darlington Elite world. This book discusses adult themes and is suitable for 18+ readers.

My Review:

The story of Patrick and Everly was an interesting read. It had so much drama. So much angst and also gentleness and love.

But… I was a bit upset when the story ended because it left me hanging and I needed to know what was going to happen next.

I can’t wait for the next installment of this series and hopefully, we’ll learn what happened when this book ended…

Book Review: Regretting You by Colleen Hoover

Synopsis:

Morgan Grant and her sixteen-year-old daughter, Clara, would like nothing more than to be nothing alike.

Morgan is determined to prevent her daughter from making the same mistakes she did. By getting pregnant and married way too young, Morgan put her own dreams on hold. Clara doesn’t want to follow in her mother’s footsteps. Her predictable mother doesn’t have a spontaneous bone in her body.

With warring personalities and conflicting goals, Morgan and Clara find it increasingly difficult to coexist. The only person who can bring peace to the household is Chris—Morgan’s husband, Clara’s father, and the family anchor. But that peace is shattered when Chris is involved in a tragic and questionable accident. The heartbreaking and long-lasting consequences will reach far beyond just Morgan and Clara.

While struggling to rebuild everything that crashed around them, Morgan finds comfort in the last person she expects to, and Clara turns to the one boy she’s been forbidden to see. With each passing day, new secrets, resentment, and misunderstandings make mother and daughter fall further apart. So far apart, it might be impossible for them to ever fall back together.

My Review:

WOW! WOW! WOW! I loved this book. Real emotions. Real life.

This was my FIRST Colleen Hoover novel I read. I saw it on Instagram and only heard good things about it and decided to jump on the bandwagon and read it and I have to say… I. AM. NOT. SORRY!

I loved this story. The characters, the tragedy, the love, all relatable. I was able to empathize with these characters especially with how Morgan tried to spare Clara the truth about her father. The way Clara realizes that her mother was as much a victim of the situation as her father was. This story is real life and the emotions we go through.

I am definitely going to be reading more of Colleen Hoover.

On Ice, A Hockey Romance by Trisha Harley Mccarthy

Disclaimer: I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review

Synopsis

Zoe Simmons receives a text on her wedding day. Her fiance called off the wedding. No explanation and he is soon traded to another hockey team, the Detroit Steels. She is devastated and has an emotional breakdown. After a few months she returns to her lonely life. Numb and withdrawn, she throws herself into her work as an assistant to general manager of the NHL team The San Jose Otters. Fast forward three years, The Otters are contenders for the Stanley Cup that include a shocking trade, Killian “Ki” Connery. The man who left her at the altar in humiliation and shame. Another blow comes when her father, Jed Simmons, negotiated the trade of her former fiance without telling her. How will she be able to endure being around the man her heart yearns for but her mind rebels against? Not to mention the scandal that is about to break opening up her private life to further scrutiny by the media?

Killian “Ki” Connery

The woman he loves jilted him at the altar and he is banished to Detroit to play for The Steels. The former star and captain of The Otters is crushed by the betrayal of his love he’s never gotten over. He survives through sheer will power and playing hockey while fighting the underlying demons plaguing him. Jesse Ward comes into his life and they become America’s Sweethearts of the media. Little does Ki know the part Jesse played in his breakup with his true love Zoe.

This story will keep you on your toes with an intense love story, challenges, betrayal and overcoming the odds that love conquers all.

Another great angsty book by Trisha Harley McCarthy, author of the acclaimed Granite Bay Series.

My Review: 4 stars

Wow this book had me in all directions. If there was anything that could go wrong with these two it did. At one stage I thought what in the world could possibly happen next?

With everything that kept happening, I kept wanting to turn the page. Zoe & Killian’s story had me all over the place. Don’t get me wrong I enjoyed the story.

Drama after drama after drama. Gosh talk about drama getting in the way of love. But, as always love prevails and that’s all that matter.

Trisha kept me wanting to see what’s next. She kept me turning the page.