Showing posts with label arc book review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label arc book review. Show all posts

Book Release | Review: Against All Odds by Corinne Michaels

AGAINST ALL ODDS, AVAILABLE NOW!

Blurb:
When my ex-husband leaves me for the co-star in his movie, moving back to Ember Falls feels like my only option.

Everett Finnegan, my first love and the man I’ve never forgotten, is ready to welcome me with open arms…and an open bed.

But when I find out I’m pregnant with my ex’s baby, my entire world is upended.

My ex doesn’t want the baby, but I plan to rebuild my life as a single mother and figure out how to handle all of this alone.

Except that I don’t seem to be alone―Everett always shows up for me.

I don’t expect him to get mixed up in all my drama―not when he has his own. And I wish he would listen to me when I say we have to stop whatever it is we’re doing.

But he wants me, the baby, and my heart.

So when I’m forced to return to California sooner than planned, I’m devastated.

Everett can’t leave Ember Falls, and I can’t stay.

Saying goodbye to him the first time was hard enough. This time, it just might break me

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I was sooooo excited for the third book in the Ember Falls series, Against All Odds. I have been patiently waiting since I finished book two. Once again, Corinne Michaels proves what an amazing author she is.  I went into this story as blind as possible and was not disappointed. 

I love our two main characters so much. Violet and Everett get a second chance at love after Violet finds out her famous actor husband has been cheating on her. Not only does she have to deal with the betrayal of an affair but she has to face it publicly. Due to this, she decides it’s best to head back to her small town of Ember Falls where her childhood love, Everett still lives.  

The chemistry between Violet and Everett is off the charts. It’s not all smooth sailing, however. There’s a few unexpected complications that our couple has to navigate. There’s passion, angst, romance, and humor throughout this book. I’m rating it 4.5 stars and highly recommend this for an amazing summer read. I read it in one sitting, as I could not put it down. 
Review by:


Meet Corinne



Corinne Michaels is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of romance novels. Her stories are chock full of emotion, humor, and unrelenting love, and she enjoys putting her characters through intense heartbreak before finding a way to heal them through their struggles.

Corinne is a former Navy wife and happily married to the man of her dreams. She began her writing career after spending months away from her husband while he was deployed--reading and writing were her escapes from the loneliness. Corinne now lives in Virginia with her husband and is the emotional, witty, sarcastic, and fun-loving mom of two beautiful children.


Connect with Corinne


Website: http://corinnemichaels.com

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2N1H2Gb

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1NVZmhv

Facebook: https://bit.ly/1iwLh6y

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/corinnemichaelsbooks/

Instagram: https://bit.ly/2L1Vzo6

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@corinne.michaels

Bookbub: https://bit.ly/2yc6rss

Pinterest: https://bit.ly/2m7MkEL

Verve: https://ververomance.com/app/corinnemichaels

Posted by Once upon a twilight at 7:00 PM 0 comments
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Book Review: I Could Never by Penelope Ward

 




Title: I Could Never
Author: Penelope Ward
Genre: Standalone Contemporary Romance
Tropes: Forbidden Romance/Enemies to Lovers
Release Date: August 21, 2023


BLURB

From New York Times bestselling author Penelope Ward comes a new forbidden, enemies-to-lovers story…

It all started with an unexpected phone call.
Two years after my fiancé passed away in an accident, his father died suddenly, leaving Brad’s adult, special-needs brother with no one to care for him.
The next thing I knew, I was on a cross-country drive to New Hampshire where I’d be moving in to look after Scottie until I could get him into a group home.
The last thing I ever expected?
I wouldn’t be taking care of him alone.
Josh Mathers, my fiance’s best friend—who also happened to be my sworn enemy—insisted he was the better person for the job. He told me to go back to California, and I told him where he could stick that demand.
Our disdain for each other wasn’t anything new. It dated back to a text I’d accidentally read years ago.
We hated each other. But we both loved Scottie, so neither of us budged.
Now we were living together in a tiny house—with one available bedroom. Thank goodness it was only temporary.
Over time, I realized the broody jerk I thought I knew was different than I’d imagined.
I found myself slowly growing attached to someone I once considered the enemy…and growing attracted to him.
Sure, both of us were guilt-ridden over Brad. We were also two grown people with pent-up frustration toward one another—stuck in a cabin in the woods.
But this was Josh.
I could never.







PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU




⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I am SOOOO in love with “I Could Never”. I have to start by saying I love Penelope Ward so much and I am NEVER disappointed by her books.  She has once again blown me away with her words. 

This story genuinely touched my heart. I love Carly, Josh, and Scottie so much. Josh and Carly have a bit of a misunderstanding in the beginning which 
caused them to have animosity towards one another. Carly was engaged to Josh’s best friend, Brad, that passed away. Brad’s dad also ended up passing away, leaving the only member of the family, Scottie, almost completely alone. Scottie had Autism and needed around the clock care. Carly decided to honor her late fiancé by dropping her life in California to come take care of Scottie. Josh had the same idea, leaving his life in Chicago. They both found out very quickly, that Scottie would need the both of them.  Living in close quarters would prove to be quite challenging in more ways than one. 

Josh is such a sexy, charming, loving guy and Carly is so sweet, beautiful and caring. Their love for Brad and Scottie was really touching. This book gave me all the feels and I was able to read it in one day. Such a sweet book!  I recommend this book as well as all of Penelope Ward’s books.  I’m rating this book 4.5 stars!
Reviewed by:


AUTHOR BIO


Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary romance.

She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor. Penelope resides in Rhode Island with her husband, son, and beautiful daughter with autism.

With over two million books sold, she is a 21-time New York Times bestseller and the author of over twenty novels. Her books have been translated into over a dozen languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.


AUTHOR LINKS



OTHER BOOKS BY PENELOPE WARD


AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU



AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU



AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

SEE MORE BOOKS HERE

Posted by Once upon a twilight at 7:00 AM 0 comments
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ARC Book Review: Unforgiven by Rebecca Zanetti

Unforgiven
Deep Ops #5
Author: Rebecca Zanetti
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance | Romantic Suspense
Released: 06/07/2022
Review Source: Review Copy | Netgalley


Run: Gemma Falls never expected to use her game theory expertise to outrun a killer. But for years, that skill is all that kept her one step ahead of a deadly stalker. When Gemma gets the chance to teach at D.C. University, she hopes she and her young daughter have found a safe harbor. The only flaw is the arrogant philosophy professor who’s always underfoot giving unwanted advice—in his sexy British accent . . .

Hide: Jethro Hanson has blood on his hands. He’s working within ivy-covered university halls now, but he knows that his work with the Deep Ops team and the deadly acts he once committed for the sake of Queen and country place him beyond forgiveness—until he meets Gemma . . .

Seek: Soon, the passion between them stuns them both. But when Jethro discovers a threat is fast overtaking her, he must choose between the redemption he seeks—and releasing the ever-present killer inside . . .


Unforgiven is book five in the Deep Ops series however I read this as a standalone. Whilst previous relationships and couples were obvious throughout, I never felt like I was missing out on anything. I'm actually going to read the whole series when I have time because I really enjoyed this book - it gave Maya Banks/Cynthia Eden vibes and it's been a while since I've read this type of romantic suspense.

Gemma is a single mother to her three-year-old, Trudy, and has been running for years.  Knowing what her violent ex-fiancé is capable of, Gemma will continue to run and protect her family until it's finally safe to settle down - if it's ever safe. Jethro has just as much baggage - a serial killer brother who's trying to frame him for murder. Gemma and Jethro meet at D.C University where they both work -  Jethro is a charming Brit and Gemma is a single mother keeping under the radar, but as her friendship blooms with Jethro, Gemma find's herself on the radar of a serial killer and her past finally catches up with her.

For me, a romantic suspense isn't the same without the sense of community within the book. Unforgiven was loaded with a group of friends who pulled together in Jethro's time of need - people who would do anything and sacrifice everything to ensure their friend's safety, and it was done perfectly. The romance wasn't at centre stage but the plot, suspense and deep ops crew made up for that. The English dialect was done well - as a Brit I often cringe at the movie-like, unrealistic dialect but in Unforgiven, it was really well written!  

Overall, Unforgiven was a brilliant read. If you love family orientated books, single mother's and suspense then you will love this.


Posted by Shannon at 12:00 AM 0 comments
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Book Review Tour: Moody by Penelope Ward




Title: Moody
Author: Penelope Ward
Genre: Standalone Contemporary Romance
Release Date: August 22, 2022


BLURB

From New York Times bestselling author Penelope Ward, comes a new standalone novel.

The day I showed up to Dax Moody’s sprawling home, I had no idea what was coming.
As a traveling massage therapist, I was used to entering the houses of strangers.
But this assignment was different from any before it.
From the outside, I’d correctly assumed the owner was rich. What I didn’t realize was that he would be younger than I’d imagined, single, stunningly gorgeous, and mysterious.
Despite the fact that Dax had booked a massage, it never actually happened, since our first appointment was unexpectedly cut short by a comedy of errors.
Certain I’d never see him again after that day, I’d done nothing but think about the captivating man.
To my surprise, he called a second time. That appointment, we talked a lot, developing a stronger connection. But once again, there was no actual massage.
The man I now affectionately called “Moody” kept calling me to come back.
It took three times before I finally gave him the massage he’d ordered. Let’s just say it was challenging to keep things professional. I was extremely attracted to Dax, and by that time, I was falling hard.
Eventually, I’d find out why he’d been so aloof, the reason why he and I could never be together.
Our story was supposed to end there, but it didn’t.
Instead, I was left perpetually longing for a forbidden man.







PURCHASE LINKS

Limited time release price $3.99!

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU






AUTHOR BIO


Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary romance.

She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor. Penelope resides in Rhode Island with her husband, son, and beautiful daughter with autism.

With over two million books sold, she is a 21-time New York Times bestseller and the author of over thirty books. Her novels have been translated into over a dozen languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.


AUTHOR LINKS



OTHER BOOKS BY PENELOPE WARD


AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU



AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU




AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU


SEE MORE BOOKS HERE


⭐⭐⭐⭐

HOLY CHEMISTRY!!  Penelope Ward has come through once again with an awesome book!  I went into this book completely blind, my favorite way to read.

Wren McCallister, a massage therapist gets an alert from her job that a wealthy new client specifically wants to book with her.  She goes to the client, Dax Moody's house expecting to give a massage but ends up causing one disaster after another.  

Moody, very much lives up to his name.  He is drop dead gorgeous, and mysterious.  Add in the forbidden aspect and I am hooked.  My reason for rating this book with four stars instead of five is because the beginning was a little frustrating.  The dialogue was slightly unbelievable coming from a professional massage therapist.  I pushed through though, and am SO GLAD I DID because the heat between these two characters is nuclear.  

I read this entire book in one day and in one sitting.  It was a fun, sometimes frustrating, emotional, and spicy read.  All things that make up a great Penelope Ward book!    







Posted by Once upon a twilight at 7:00 AM 0 comments
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ARC Book Review: Sleepover by Serena Bell

 
Sleepover
Under One Roof #3
Author: Serena Bell
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Released: 29th March 2022
Review Source: Netgalley

That one night stand? It was just the beginning…

My new neighbor, Elle, is everything I avoid. Chatty, sunshine-y, and determined that since our kids are brand-new BFFs, we should be too.

That would be bad news even if I hadn’t had a one-night stand with her a few months back that turned me inside out.

You see, since my wife died, I keep to myself. I hook up, but it’s always one-and-done. So you can imagine my shock when I discover that the girl next door is the one woman I was hoping never to see again.

Now I’m seeing her again… and again, and again. And all the promises I made to myself? They’re starting to look more like lies.


Sleepover delivers a single dad next door, one night stand rediscovered and sunshine/grumpy all wrapped into one funny, steamy and heart-warming package. It can be read as a standalone and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.

Elle and Sawyer are two sides of the same coin - both are single parents. Elle went through a painful divorce and received a invitation to her ex-husband's wedding only weeks after the divorce, and Sawyer lost his wife and became a single father through no choice of his own. Last time Elle and Sawyer seen each other they were in a compromising situation, had their fun then parted ways and that was that...until Sawyer moved next door and their children became fast friends. 

There were moments when my heart hurt for Elle. Her ex-husband left her for his high school sweetheart that he never stopped loving, then she falls for Sawyer, her steaming hot next door neighbour who is too in-love with his dead wife to let anyone else in. All she want is to be someone's first choice, but soon discovers she's only ever been a second choice. It takes him a while, but Sawyer finally begins to understand his love is not an either/or situation, and his heart is big enough to expand and grow love for others. 

Sleepover was a really great read. It wasn't just about Elle and Sawyer getting to know each other and becoming reacquainted, but also the pair figuring out their new lives with their kids, Madden and Jonah, and the moments they have all together. It was a wholesome and entertaining with just the right amount of spice.



Posted by Shannon at 11:00 PM 0 comments
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ARC Book Review: Devil's Redemption by Natasha Knight

Devil's Redemption
Devil's Pawn Duet #2
Author: Natasha Knight
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Mafia Romance
Released: March 15th 2022
Review Source: Provided by author | ARC

Isabelle

Just when I was beginning to trust my husband, he betrayed me.

Just when I thought I was falling in love he showed me the beast he truly is.

I understand his thirst for revenge. But I don’t want to play this game of pawn and puppet master.

No matter how his hands make my heart race and my body crave his devil’s touch, I won’t give in.

I love his daughter.

But I can’t let myself fall in love with her father.

Jericho

I have exactly what I want. Revenge.

Soon everything the Bishops have will be mine.

But it will cost me more than I bargained.

Isabelle Bishop hates me. As she should.

I know what I am. And now she does too.

But falling in love with my wife was never part of my plan.


Devil's Redemption picks up straight after the cliffhanger in book one. Just as Isabella was starting to soften towards her captor and husband - despite his questionable methods of dealing with her - that all falls to ruin when she finds out how much be betrayed her, forcing her into a decision she wouldn't have made otherwise.

Jericho is the most infuriating man ever, in a typical Mafia man way, but he was also charming and his character grows on me a lot throughout this book. His revenge plans fade away once he realises he loves his wife, however there's a lot of damage already done between their relationship. His inner demons demand revenge, but Jericho loves Isabelle and wants to start his life with her. 

Devil's Redemption is full of secrets, misunderstandings and brick walls separating the husband and wife from truly finding their happily ever after with their baby on the way. Although there were moments when I wanted to bang their heads together, I enjoyed their journey from enemies to lovers to forever.

This duology is set in the same world as The Society Trilogy however you do not have to read The Society to enjoy Isabelle and Jericho's journey. If you enjoy mafia romances and the pregnancy trope, then this duet is for you.



Posted by Shannon at 10:33 AM 0 comments
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ARC Book Review: The Dragon's Bride by Katee Robert

The Dragon's Bride
A Deal with a Demon #1
Author: Katee Robert
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Paranormal Romance 
Released: March 29th 2022
Review Source: Provided by author / ARC copy

Briar Rose might have a name out of a storybook, but she learned at a very young age that no prince was coming to save her. She’ll have to save herself. Unfortunately, even that is an impossible task in her current situation—trapped in a terrifying marriage to a dangerous man.

Desperate times call for desperate measures, which is how she finds herself making a deal with a demon. Freedom from her husband…in return for seven years of service.

She expects the service to be backbreaking and harsh. She doesn’t expect to be put on an auction block in a room full of literal monsters and sold to the highest bidder.

To Sol.

A dragon.

He might seem kinder than his fearsome looks imply, but she knows better than to trust the way he wants to take care of her, or how invested he is in her pleasure. In her experience, if something seems too good to be true, it certainly is.

Falling for Sol is out of the question. She’s suffered enough, and she has no intention of staying in this realm…even if she leaves her heart behind when she returns to her normal life.


The Dragon's Bride brings a whole new meaning to the paranormal genre and is perfect for those who like their men rough around the edges. It was a quick read with just enough world building to keep me wanting more, and we were set up nicely for a potential demon story in the future (which I already want to read!)

In a moment of desperation Brair makes a deal with a demon to save herself from an abusive husband, and in return, gets sold to a dragon. A real life, scaled, green beast. This was my first experience where the monstrous male wasn't completely humanised, and it was brilliant. Sol is unapologetically himself. He hissed when he laughs, you got two for the price of one in the downstairs department, and he is abnormally huge.

The conflict is short, and the romance is spicy - the perfect combination for a good read.

I'm a big reader but I'm new to the monster trope, and you know what? I am not complaining. Is it different for the male to have scales? Yes. Is it strange that he hissed through a forked tongue? Also, yes? But did I still enjoy it? Also, yes! I loved that it was different and the book cover allowed me to picture the dragon's so much better! >

Posted by Shannon at 2:45 PM 0 comments
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