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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!!!!!!!!!!

Book Review: RICHER THAN GOD by Amelia Wilde

Zeus is the cruelest man in the city. And he’s the only one who can save me.

If I don’t sell my body at one of his infamous parties, I’ll be forced into a nightmarish arranged marriage.

But he won’t accept any offers. Not until he’s had me for himself.

I thought I chose the right man to help me escape.

I was wrong.

RICHER THAN GOD is the first in an intense new contemporary trilogy by USA Today bestselling author Amelia Wilde.

Review:

Zeus is a monster! But Brigit gets his attention. Deep down I think he really is in love with her, but he doesn’t know how to love, so he doesn’t accept it. Brigit seeks safety and thinks that she’ll find sanctuary in Olympus. She falls for Zeus but questions herself and the choices she’s made.

This book is dark, erotic and ends on a cliffhanger. The characters are messed up, but that’s the appeal of a dark romance isn’t it.

Can’t wait to see what happens in the next book. I can’t leave this story like this.

Book Review: IT’S OUR SECRET by Willow Winters

From romance author Willow Winters comes a USA Today best-selling emotionally gripping, standalone, romantic suspense.

Allison: It was only a little lie.
That’s how stories like these get started.

But with every lie I told, he saw through it.
I think in his heart he knew I was broken; he felt my pain as if it was his.

And that’s what changed everything.
He’s the reason it all fell apart.

Sometimes it’s a single moment that alters everything in existence.
Sometimes it’s the fall of dominoes, lined up in a pretty little row and designed so that each one will cause more and more pain.
In a single day, it all changed, and there’s no way to take it back.
I didn’t know what would happen. But secrets and lies ruin everything and I should have known better.
And for the first time in… I don’t know how long, I wish I could take it back. I’d take every bit of it back if I could just be with him again.

“I was captivated from the very beginning, and I couldn’t let go until the very end. Winters wove an outstanding tale, which has an even better message within its pages.” – Kendra, Reads and Treats

Review:

This book had me heartbroken. It’s emotionally gripping. It’s a novel of love, heartache, friendship and justice.

Dean and Allison are both broken individuals. They help each other, lean on one another and fall in love. Life was not fair to these two growing up, but they are trying to make it right as adults. Their individual stories got to me, you’re wanting to know the truth from the beginning.

I couldn’t put this story down. Gave up sleep to finish it. I absolutely loved it and I’ll put this on my recommendation list.

Book Review: CRY BABY by Mark Billingham

It’s 1996. Detective Sergeant Tom Thorne is a haunted man. Haunted by the moment he ignored his instinct about a suspect, by the horrific crime that followed and by the memories that come day and night, in sunshine and shadow.

So when seven-year-old Kieron Coyne goes missing while playing in the woods with his best friend, Thorne vows he will not make the same mistake again. Cannot.

The solitary witness. The strange neighbour. The friendly teacher. All are in Thorne’s sights.

This case will be the making of him . . . or the breaking.

The gripping prequel to Mark Billingham’s acclaimed debut, Sleepyhead, Cry Baby is the shocking first case for one of British crime fiction’s most iconic detectives.

My Review:

Trigger Warnings: missing children and abuse.

I couldn’t put this book down. It kept me guessing from the beginning. Mark Billingham knows how to keep the reader turning the page.

It’s a story of a boy who goes missing while playing with his best friend under the watchful eye of his best-friend’s mom. The story takes you into the mind of the investigating officer Tom Thorne, who is picked on for a mistake made 15 years before this case. Tom trusts his gut this time and does what needs to be done to find the boy.

The plot twist close to the end is what got to me and how it came about.

A really good read and a book I’d recommend.