Tag: Single Parents

Review: Single Dad Seeks Juliet (Max Monroe)

Single Dad Seeks Juliet
Author: Max Monroe
Publication Date: October 13, 2020
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Synopsis:

Dear Internet: Am I a horrible person for wanting to sabotage my work assignment—completely wreck a dating contest—because I hate the idea of love?

I know it sounds bad, but just hear me out, okay?

I (33F) work at a local paper, and two months ago, my editor assigned me a huge project—run the upcoming, highly anticipated Bachelor Anonymous contest.

In essence, I’m supposed to help a reader-nominated bachelor find his special someone, and while I should be excited to handle something of this magnitude solo, I can’t help but get queasy over how gross it feels.

Like, how cheesy could this thing get?

Not to mention, I’m the last person who should be involved in this—my dating and relationship history is a cluster. Generally, the person in charge of these things shouldn’t fantasize about lighting the whole three-ring dating circus on fire.

Anyway, men from all over Southern California, vying for the coveted bachelor role, submitted their personal ads to my paper. The readers voted, and Single Dad Seeks Juliet won by a landslide.

Enter Mr. Bachelor Anonymous (40M), the single dad Romeo seeking his Juliet.

Blah, blah, blah, right? Wrong.

You guys—and I cannot stress this enough—this guy is the ultimate man in a six-foot-three, chiseled-muscle, freaking Adonis package with aquamarine eyes that would haunt the dreams of an insomniac.

He’s a former Navy SEAL, successful business owner, motocross-riding, charming, supportive, funny-as-heck single dad, and the more time I spend with him, the more I want to bring this contest thing crumbling to the ground for an entirely different reason.

Real talk: I think I’m falling for him.

Me, the woman who despises love, might be falling for the completely off-limits Bachelor who I’m ironically assigned to help find love, while five other women think they’re the only contestants competing for his heart.

So, Internet. Am I scum? Or is all fair in love and war?

Single Dad Seeks Juliet was everything I’ve come to expect from the duo who is Max Monroe. It was hilarious is the wittiest and most adorable way. From the minute Holley and Jake met, I could feel not only their chemistry but their emotional connection. I love when I meet a book couple whose personalities click. Holley and Jake had this goofy camaraderie from the start that I loved. Their connection got better and better and stronger as the book built. The fact that it wasn’t all sexual tension and chemistry made this book truly standout to me.  Oh, and the whole dating contest thing. It  was funny and perfectly awkward. I loved it — I loved this entire book. I couldn’t get enough of it and was truly sad when the book came to and end. Thank goodness Jake’s buddy is getting a book. I needed something to cheer me up. 😉

Mini Review: Rifts & Refrains (Devney Perry)

Rifts & Refrains
Series: Hush Note, #2
Author: Devney Perry
Publication Date: September 29, 2020
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ½

Synopsis:

From the moment Quinn Montgomery sat behind her first snare and cymbal set, she was destined for fame and glory. As Hush Note’s infamous female drummer, she sets the rhythm for the band’s chart-toppings hits. When people tap their feet to their music, it’s to her pulse.

Quinn is content to live in a world away from her family and the cage of her youth. Her only regret is leaving Graham Hayes behind without a goodbye. No matter how many sold-out stadiums she plays, no matter how many crowds sing her songs, his voice haunts her when the music stops.

When a family tragedy forces her to return home to Montana, she plans to leave the second she’s paid her respects. But seeing Graham again turns her life upside down. As a boy, he wasn’t able to make her stay. As a man, he might be her future.

If they can mend their rifts and find solace in the refrains.

This book was so my thing with its Footloose-like vibes. Perry really did Quinn’s badass rock star character justice by showing what she was hiding behind her walls. I loved returning to her hometown in Montana and finding out how her past shaped her. A big part of that was her relationship with her childhood sweetheart, Griffin. I loved figuring out their past piece by piece and what it meant for their future. It was such a sweet and emotional story — exactly what I would expect from Perry. I loved every bit of it.

Review: Lies and Lullabies (Sarina Bowen)

Lies and Lullabies
Series: Hush Notes, #1
Author: Sarina Bowen
Publication Date: September 22, 2020
Publisher: Tuxbury Publishing LLC
Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

Synopsis:

Summer nights and star-crossed lovers! From USA Today bestselling author Sarina Bowen.

Once upon a time, he gave me a summer of friendship, followed by one perfect night. We shared a lot during our short time together. But he skipped a few crucial details.

I didn’t know he was a rock star.

I didn’t know his real name.

Neither of us knew I’d get pregnant.

And I sure never expected to see him again.

Five years later, his tour bus pulls up in Nest Lake, Maine. My little world is about to be shattered by loud music and the pounding of my own foolish heart.

Lies and Lullabies was a sweet second chance romance. The whole rock star and secret baby tropes melded perfectly. I loved Kira and Jonas’ characters. It was easy to understand why Kira kept Vivi a secret and for why Jonas would want to come back to her five years later. Their chemistry was on point, and it didn’t feel weird for them to reconnect quickly. I’m normally not a fan of flashbacks, but they were few, woven well into the story, and didn’t distract from the present but added to it.

Like in all of Bowen’s books, the side characters helped make the story. Kira and Jonas’ daughter Vivi was adorable. There were so many sweet moments due to her. Kira’s brother Adam also had a big part. I loved his character. I’m wondering if we’re getting a book for him because his part in the story felt like it wasn’t resolved. I hope so! And then there was the rest of Jonas’ band. I liked the introductions to Nixon and Quinn. I’m so interested to see where Rebecca Yarros and Devney Perry take those characters.

There were a few things that felt a little too unresolved to me. One was teh whole Luke storyline. The second was Adam’s story, as I pointed out earlier. The third was that I wanted a little more time with Kira and Jonas at the end. There was a perfect epilogue, but the story felt like it ended a little abruptly. I can’t exactly explain why it felt that way. I guess I needed a little more clarification on how everything worked out for them with Jonas’ tour, etc.

Overall, this was a great second chance romance. It was filled with sweet moments and rock star fun. I’m so excited to read the rest of the series!

PURCHASE LINKS:
SERIES PAGE https://www.subscribepage.com/hushnote
All links in one spot → https://shor.by/hush-note
Audible → https://geni.us/Audible-LandL
Paperback → https://geni.us/Paperback-Land…
Amazon → https://geni.us/Amazon-LandL
Apple → https://geni.us/apple-LandL
Kobo → https://geni.us/kobo-LandL
Nook → https://geni.us/Nook-LandL
Google → https://geni.us/Google-LandL

Lies & Lullabies is book one in the Hush Note series. This can be read as a complete standalone. Book two, Rifts & Refrains is by Devney Perry, and book three, Muses & Melodies is by Rebecca Yarros.

Review: The Wreckage of US (Brittainy C. Cherry)

The Wreckage of Us
Author: Brittainy C. Cherry
Publication Date: September 8, 2020
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ½

Synopsis:

Never in a million years did I think it would be Ian Parker who saved me…

I know I should stay away from Ian Parker.

But when my drug-dealing stepdad kicks me out, I have nowhere to go. Squatting in an abandoned shed on Ian’s grandpa’s farm seems like as good a plan as any.

Ian finds me there, of course, and he insists on me moving into his spare room. I should say no, but the appeal of a roof and a warm bed is too much. Not to mention Ian’s brown eyes and strong arms.

We’re nothing alike, but the spark between us is undeniable. My life is finally looking up.

Until I call the cops on my stepdad and unintentionally get my pregnant mom arrested.

Now I have to sacrifice my dreams to take care of my mom’s baby. She’s the only family I have left. Meanwhile, Ian’s band is taking off; his dreams are coming true.

Ian is my one chance at love. I just hope he doesn’t become the one chance that got away.

I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again. Brittainy C. Cherry has a way with words. There’s a beauty and magical quality to the words she strings together and the stories she creates. I get excited each time she releases a new book because I know whatever story is coming my way is going to move me. The Wreckage of Us did just that.

Hazel Stone broke me heart. Her childhood was not easy. Her drug lord step-father made her someone everyone avoided, and she made herself invisible behind black, baggy clothes and heavy make up. Despite everything that knocked her down, Hazel was determined to do and be better. She was determined to succeed. Her heart was so big and her character so strong.

I feel bad saying this, but I WAS NOT an Ian Parker fan to start out with. The dude made me mad with how he initially treated Hazel. I got his reasoning, but I didn’t care. He should have been better. I’m glad that he was better after working through some crap because he and Hazel fit so well together. I loved the way music brought them together. Their chemistry was as undeniable as their emotional connection. The things they went through because of music and fame were things I could imagine happening to a band and their loved ones in real life. So, yeah, thank goodness Ian wised up.

One of my favorite things about this book was the setting. Eres, Nebraska was a special place. I loved the descriptions and feel of it, especially Big Paw’s ranch. There were so many great characters in that community: the band, Big Paw and Holly, Leah just to name a few. The warmth of the community made it somewhere I wouldn’t mind living myself.

My least favorite thing was probably one crazy twist that I won’t say much about. It involved the darker side of the small town community, and just felt a little far fetched. That being said, I did appreciate where it took the story and how it shaped Hazel and Ian’s relationship.

Once again, Brittainy C. Cherry wrote a book that I couldn’t put down. It was filled with characters and a romance that I can’t stop thinking about. I’m truly hoping The Wreckage of Us is going to be the first in a series because I would LOVE each of Ian’s friends/band mates to get a book of their own. I don’t want to be done with The Wreckage or Eres, Nebraska.

Mini Reviews: The Trouble with Quarterbacks, Until November, Until Nico, Hard Fall, & Southern Seducer

Today, I have some quick mini reviews for you.

The Trouble with Quarterbacks
Author: R.S. Grey
Publication Date: August 6, 2020
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Sports

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

The Trouble with Quarterbacks was a fun read. I loved the slightly quirky British main character. Candace made me laugh a lot. Her friends were bananas, too. The things those three got into… Well, it was entertaining. I also loved Logan. He was more lovable because of the things that drew him to Candace and his relationship with Briggs. The only thing I wasn’t a huge fan of was the drama toward the end. It just felt a little thrown in for my taste, but it didn’t ruin the story or anything. Overall, I loved reading this one. It was a quick, upbeat read.

Until November
Series: Until, #1
Author: Aurora Rose Reynolds
Publication Date: September 15, 2013
Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

November and Asher are a couple I’ve read about as side characters several times since I started mid-series. It was nice to finally go back and read their story. I loved their romance. Even though it’s extremely instant love, I liked how that was explained and how things went. Asher was a MAJOR alpha and I loved how November stood her ground with him. It was a very sweet story.

Until Nico
Series: Until, #4
Author: Aurora Rose Reynolds
Publication Date: May 29, 2014
Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

This series just keeps getting better and better! I adored Nico’s turn for the BOOM. He and Sophie were so cute together. Nico was all tough alpha bad boy. Sophie was a sweet librarian. I loved how their differences in appearance and attitude blended. This was definitely one of my favorites in the series.

Hard Fall
Series: Trophy Boyfriends, #2
Author: Aurora Rose Reynolds
Publication Date: August 18, 2020
Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult, Sports

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

After reading Hard Pass, I knew I had to read Hard Fall and get to know the annoying Trace “Buzz” Wallace. He was like that fly that wouldn’t go away with his idiotic humor, but he had a heart of gold. I couldn’t help but love his character even when I wanted to throw something at him for Hollis. I loved Hollis’ character so much! She was a great match for Buzz. I smiled a lot while reading this book. My biggest complaint, much like the last book, was that the instant love was strong and the book was too short. I wanted more of Hollis and Buzz. That being said, I still can’t wait for Trace’s twin brother Tripp’s book next.

Southern Seducer
Series: North Carolina Highlands, #1
Author: Jessica Peterson
Publication Date: August 8, 2020
Publisher: Peterson Paperbacks
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

My thoughts:

I enjoyed Annabel and Beau’s friends to more story. It had a sweetness other romances don’t because of some of the important aspects of the story. Annabel has been diagnosed with PPD 4 months after having a baby as a single mother. Beau has recently been diagnosed with possible CTE. Those two angles were ones I haven’t read often in romance novels. As a mother, I could relate to some of the tough new baby stuff Annabel was going through. I think I would have appreciated this book even more when if I had read it soon after having my child. One thing I have to say is that I’m not a fan of this title. The “Seducer” gave me a the feel that this book would be on the scandalous side when in truth it was a sweet romance. I think others who might benefit from this book might skip it based on the title, which would be sad.

Review: The Reality of Everything (Rebecca Yarros)

The Reality of Everything
Series: Flight & Glory, #5
Author: Rebecca Yarros
Publication Date: August 24, 2020
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance, Military
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Synopsis:

Two years after the man she loved was killed in Afghanistan, Morgan Bartley is trying to put the pieces of her life back together. The reno on her dilapidated beach house in the Outer Banks might be just the distraction she needs to keep her debilitating anxiety attacks at bay and begin to heal her heart…if she can ignore the ridiculously handsome guy next door.

At twenty-eight, single-dad Jackson Montgomery’s life revolves around his five-year-old daughter and his job as a search-and-rescue pilot for the coast guard. He’s no stranger to saving a damsel in distress, and though his gorgeous new neighbor is clearly in distress, she’s no damsel. She’s stubborn as hell with walls a mile thick, and the dog tags hanging from her rearview mirror give him a pretty good clue as to why.

It doesn’t matter that their attraction is undeniable―she swore she’d never fall for another pilot, let alone a military man. There are some wounds time can’t heal, and some fears too consuming to conquer.

She’s a barely breathing heartbreak on the edge of recovery.
He’s a crash waiting to happen.
Together they could have it all…if they can endure the coming storm.

I started out 2020 by binging the Flight & Glory series. I thought it was a finished series, but I was wrong. I was happy to discover I wasn’t going to have to wait long for the fifth book because I needed that fifth book ASAP. This series is one where each book builds upon the last with different characters and I need to know what was next for this group of friends. It also gets better with each book, so I had high expectations for The Reality of Everything. Rebecca Yarros definitely delivered. This book was the best in the series and one of the best books I have read this year.

Morgan’s story is one of loss, grief, and starting over. It was emotionally charged in the best ways. Her story made me FEEL and I loved that. I was a little worried with times being what they are that I wouldn’t want the feelings Yarros’ storytelling ability was going to give me, but I didn’t need to worry. There was just the right combination of feelings. Yarros walked me through Morgan’s toughest times, made her come out stronger, and made me appreciate everything that Morgan had to go through without leaving me feeling depressed or overwhelmed. It was such an uplifting story.

Not only was this book uplifting, but it had an AMAZING love story. AMAZING. I can’t say that enough. I loved Jackson’s character. His support and willingness to weather the bad times with Morgan was everything. I loved the way he fathered his daughter. There wasn’t one bad thing about the guy, really.

Another thing that makes this series so special is the friendship aspect of it. The look at the friendships in this series was so different in this book than the first four. Even though Morgan moved away from her closest friends, we still got to see them plenty. Sam played a huge part, as did Paisley. Morgan’s perception of them and the evolution of their friendships made me think a lot. How she related to those friendships was important. Plus, who doesn’t want to see all their favorite series characters again?

Honestly, I could go on and on about what made this one of my favorite books I’ve read so far this year. I can’t, though. I would be giving EVERYTHING away. So I’m just going to finish up and say read this series if you haven’t yet because you don’t want to miss out on reading this book.

 Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41556924    

AVAILABLE NOW!!
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Google Play: https://geni.us/ROEGoogle  

    

About the Author:
Rebecca is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of over fifteen novels, and is always ready to bring on the emotions. She’s also the recipient of the Colorado Romance Writer’s Award of Excellence for Eyes Turned Skyward from her Flight and Glory series. She loves military heroes and has been blissfully married to hers for eighteen years. She’s the mother of six children, ranging from kindergarten to law school, and is currently surviving the teenage years with two of her four hockey-playing sons. When she’s not writing, you can find her at the hockey rink or sneaking in some guitar time. She lives in Colorado with her family, their stubborn English bulldog, and a feisty chinchilla. Having fostered then adopted their youngest daughter, Rebecca is passionate about helping children in the foster system through her nonprofit, One October. 

Connect w/Rebecca:
Website: http://www.rebeccayarros.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/rebeccaelizabethyarros
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/RebeccaYarrosFlygirls Twitter: https://twitter.com/RebeccaYarros
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccayarros
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7539785.Rebecca_Yarros
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rebecca-yarros
Amazon: https://amzn.to/39ZKtZ6  

Mini Review: Worth It All (Claudia Connor)

Worth It All
Series: The McKinney Brothers, #3
Author: Claudia Connor
Publication Date: April 26, 2016
Publisher: Loveswept
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ½

Synopsis:

She’s fighting for control. . . . Paige Roberts learned to fend for herself growing up. Now she’s doing everything possible to give her daughter, Casey, the stability she never had. But when the vivacious five-year-old decides she’s done wearing her prosthesis, Paige faces her toughest challenge yet: trusting a handsome, brooding stranger who simply wants to help.

He’s struggling to connect. . . . JT McKinney lost more than his leg in a car accident that stole his dreams of pro football. Eight years later, he’s made a new life for himself far away from his old one. His business is developing cutting-edge prosthetics and he’s more than happy to turn his attention to machines instead of people. Still, he can’t shake the feeling that something’s missing.

Will they take a chance on love? . . . When JT gets the chance to help Paige’s daughter, he takes it. He never planned on the two of them tearing down his walls or teaching him to believe in himself again. Paige might not believe in happily ever afters, but JT wants more than anything to be her prince. They’ll both have to let go of the past if they want a future.

This was my second favorite book in the series. It was almost as good as that first book. I think what made me love this one and the first one more than the second book was that Claudia Connor writes some of the best children! I adored Casey in this one. She was all fire and cuteness. She really helped make this book that much better for so many reasons. I loved how she bonded with Jake. And Jake… Loved that guy! I was so curious about him after the first couple of books and his story lived up to my expectations. Paige was great, too. I liked how she was determined to give her daughter more than she had. She was a good match for Jake. Overall, this book was a winner.

Mini Review: Worth the Fall (Claudia Connor)

Worth the Fall 
Series: McKinney Brothers, #1
Author: Claudia Connor
Publication Date: September 9, 2014
Publisher: Loveswept
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Military

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ½

Synopsis:

They meet on a beach. . . . Abby Davis isn’t wearing a skimpy bikini or sipping umbrella drinks, not when she’s busy chasing around four little ones. And Matt McKinney isn’t looking for fun—he’s a Navy SEAL, a grown man with a long list of missions . . . and fallen brothers.

They only have a week. . . . Abby has brought her children to this beach to start over, to give them the enjoyable memories they deserve. Matt’s been sidelined by a combat injury, and haunted by the best friend he lost and the promise he made: to remain a SEAL—focused and dedicated. This leaves no time for what he’s always wanted: a family.

But a week is all it takes. . . . Matt opens her heart while Abby soothes his soul. And though they plan to say good-bye when the week is over, something magical happens on that beach, something neither can forget. Something utterly, completely worth falling for.

This book was so stinking adorable I can barely stand it! I mean, a Navy SEAL goes on vacation and falls in love with a single mom and her brood of four kids. How can you not find that situation adorable? Not just that, but Claudia Connor has the writing chops to take that plot and turn it into magic. I didn’t even mind that she did it in third person (I dislike that tense!). I absolutely loved Matt and Abby together. I hate to say it, but I think I loved the relationship between Matt and Abby’s kids even more. My only teeny tiny complaint was that sometimes it seemed just a bit too insta-lovey for me. I can look past that, though, because I loved this book so much.

Review: Hot Mess (Emma Hart)

Hot Mess
Author: Emma Hart
Publication Date: May 19, 2020
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

Synopsis:

What do you do when the whole world has seen you getting down and dirty in a broom closet?

I, Elle Evans, am on the run.
Not from the fuzz—although that would be more exciting.
No, I’m on the run from the four-year-old private tape that, thanks to my vengeful ex, has probably already ruined my vlogging career.
There’s nothing like the entire world knowing what you look like mid-O.
Creek Keys, Florida, is a million miles away from NYC and the perfect place for me to hide for the rest of summer until I can figure out what I’m going to do.
Something that’s easier said than done since my new landlord’s daughter thinks you’re God’s greatest gift. Even better? Their beach house is right next to the one I’m renting, so there’s no getting away from her—or her hot, British dad.
Who most definitely does not think I’m role model material.
He might be right.
The problem is that neither of us can say no to her.
Or each other.

Hot Mess was a fun romantic comedy. It was pretty much everything I’ve come to enjoy about Emma Hart’s writing.

What I loved:

  • What Elle learned from the situation she was in and how it changed her.
  • What Elle taught Ari about online personas.
  • Elle and Theo’s relationship was sweet.
  • Theo and Ari’s relationship.
  • All of the people from the town.

Dislikes:

  • Nothing really. I do have to say it was missing some sort of spark for me that I normally get from Hart’s romances. Not sure what it was.

Overall, Hot Mess was a great romance to escape into.

 

Buy now, or read for free in KU Amazon US → https://amzn.to/2NK2tyd Amazon UK → https://amzn.to/368OJ6I

About Emma

Emma Hart is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty novels and has been translated into several different languages. She is a mother, wife, lover of wine, Pink Goddess, and valiant rescuer of wild baby hedgehogs. Emma prides herself on her realistic, snarky smut, with comebacks that would make a PMS-ing teenage girl proud. Yes, really. She’s that sarcastic.

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Mini Reviews: Mister Tonight, Runaway Road, & Pucks and Penalties

Mister Tonight
Author: Kendall Ryan
Publication Date: June 18, 2018
Publisher: Kendall Ryan Books
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Synopsis:

From New York Times bestselling author Kendall Ryan comes a standalone romance about a swoony single dad and the new neighbor he falls for.

Last night was the most embarrassing night of my life.

I was that girl.

You know, the highly intoxicated chick celebrating her thirtieth birthday with her two best friends—who are happily married. And the more I drank, the more I wanted to do something reckless to celebrate.

By reckless, I mean the sexy and alluring man dressed in a business suit standing near the bar. You know his type—tall, dark, handsome. I was sure he was out of my league, but I’d had just enough alcohol that things like that no longer seemed to matter. I’m not fat, mind you, but you can tell I like french fries, so there’s that.

He took me home, and I enjoyed the hottest birthday sex of my life. Well, until it came to a screeching and rather unwelcome halt.

There’s nothing quite like being interrupted mid-ride with a little voice asking, “What are you doing to my daddy?”

Just kill me now . . . or so I thought.

Come to find out, the man I rode like a bull at the rodeo is my new landlord.

My thoughts:

Mister Tonight was a great read for someone who has been having a hard time focusing on books lately. It was a fast-paced romance on the shorter side. Everything about it was fun and sexy. There was also a lot of funny and awkward moments. The MCs were ones I loved and rooted for. Hunter was a single dad with an adorable 4 year-old who wasn’t so sure about the woman she found in her dad’s bed. He was kind and patient. Kate was a commitment phobe who found herself in an hilariously unfortunate situation. Maddie was an adorable 4 year-old, who wasn’t quick to warm up. The three of them lit up the page in an entertaining way. This might just be one of my favorite Kendall Ryan books yet.

Special thanks to Kayla @ Books and Blends for pointing me in the direction of this book!

Runaway Road
Series: Runaway, #1
Author: Devney Perry
Publication Date: March 6, 2020
Publisher: Devney Perry LLC
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

Synopsis:

Londyn McCormack didn’t have a typical childhood. She ran away from home at sixteen, escaping parents more interested in drugs than their daughter. She doesn’t have loving siblings or an adorable pet. Her only family is the five other runaway kids who shared her junkyard home.

Life pulled them all in separate directions, taking her to Boston. For a short time, she thought she’d found something permanent. But after a devastating divorce, she’s running away again, this time to find a lost friend.
She’s driving across the country in her convertible. As a teenager, the rusty car was her shelter. As an adult, it’s her ride to freedom.

Except one flat tire derails her trip. Her life collides with Brooks Cohen. They walked away from the first crash. The second might destroy them both.

My thoughts:

When it comes to Devney Perry’s books, I’m expecting a certain type of emotional impact. Most of her contemporary romance books pack a punch to the feelings. Runaway Road didn’t have that emotional punch I was expecting. Despite a heavier background for Lyndon, the MC, Runaway Road actually felt like a lighter read. It was this fun, accidental, insta-lust stop on a road trip that ended up being more than planned. I enjoyed the feel to the story and had a good time reading it. Was it my favorite Devney Perry book? No, that will probably always be Letters to Molly, and that’s okay. Runaway Road still fit my mood and delivered a good romance.

Pucks & Penalties: Pucked Series Outtakes & Deleted Scenes 2.0
Series: Pucked, #6.5
Author: Helena Hunting
Publication Date: March 30, 2020
Publisher: Helena Hunting
Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult, Sports, Novellas

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Synopsis:

An extensive compilation of outtakes, deleted scenes and a crossover novella from The Pucked Series, which now includes:

ENDORSE THIS: An Area 51 invasion outtake in which Alex once again tries to persuade Violet that he should go where no man has gone before. And likely never will. Also includes Alex & Violet inspired outtakes such as Weiner Warmers: a Holiday Outtake, Let’s Make An Alex Jr, Pretty Eyes (a Pucked-Good Luck Charm crossover), MILF in Training, and Kick Stand Kid.

From PUCKED OFF
A Valentine’s Day love note, a series of deleted, never before seen scenes from the cutting room floor of Pucked Off and a special birthday outtake.

From PUCKED LOVE
The original Prologue that didn’t make the cut in Pucked Love and a Valentine’s Day letter from Darren to Charlene guaranteed make you swoon.

Area 51: Deleted Scenes and Outtakes
Originally published in 2016, this compilation of outtakes and deleted scenes features Alex and Violet ridiculousness, lost chapters from Pucked Up, and alternative POVs from our sexiest, horniest hottie: Randy Ballistic.

Get Inked: A Pucked Series and Clipped Wings Crossover Novella
Worlds collide when the PUCKED crew decide it’s time to commemorate their love of hockey with a team tattoo and pay a visit to Inked Armor, the renowned Chicago tattoo studio where master artists Hayden Stryker and Chris Zelter ply their trade. Ink cherries will be popped, cupcakes will be consumed, and the hazards and enhancements of boob bling will be pondered.

NOTE: * Pucks & Penalties contains over 90 000 words in outtakes and deleted scenes, as well as the full Get Inked novella. Pucks & Penalties was previously only available at signings.

My thoughts:

Pucks & Penalties was a look back at characters I didn’t realize I missed so much. It was fun — and crazy because these people are just shy of being nuts — to read. I really loved getting to spend some more time with the gang. I didn’t realize I needed it, but I did.