Category: Contemporary

REVIEW: Rock Star by Leigh Court

8/3/2023

Title: Rock Star

Author: Leigh Court

TBR Reviewer: Bella

Rating: 4/5 - Highly recommended read

He’s a rock star with stage fright. She’s a therapist with a dangerous secret…

Sebastian Roe was shot onstage during a concert five years ago, sending him into a creative tailspin and leaving him with a deep fear of performing. But his love of music is too strong to keep him off a stage forever, despite the fact the police never caught the gunman. He just needs a little help getting back in front of an audience, and figures announcing a U.S. tour will force him back onstage. Unfortunately, it's bringing up his worst nightmare and puts his sold-out comeback tour in jeopardy.

Mia Merrill was in the audience the night of Sebastian’s fateful concert. She loves his music and wants to help him overcome his PTSD and get him back onstage, but there’s another reason she’s determined to become his therapist.

She’s the reason he was shot.

Driven by guilt and a need to atone, Mia takes Sebastian on as a patient. Romantic sparks fly between the two during their therapy sessions, but no sooner do they start to make progress on Sebastian’s stage fright than the gunman announces he’s back to finish the job.

- REVIEW -

Trauma can lead to all sorts of issues. For Sebastian it was being shot on stage. He's happy to be alive but also terrified of it happening again. Mia offers to help, she is after all a therapist. As the sparks fly, a secret is revealed that may ruin their budding romance.

I love how the author portrays Sebastian. Men are so often looked as the tough ones, and here he is getting therapy which begins to help him. He was flawed and human which made him all the more appealing. The tension between Mia and Sebastian was great. The ethical bit about falling in love with her patient felt realistic and a serious problem (for her future). It was interesting to read about the rock band life as well. The only issue was the editing being a bit rough.

Overall, I enjoyed Rock Star. I fell like this is a great start to a series in this authors world.

REVIEW: Wild at Heart by Stacy Gold

11/2/2022

Overworked entrepreneur Jules Martinez is sick and tired of men leaving her for their exes. Determined to wipe the giant, scarlet R for rebound off her forehead, she kicks off a yearlong vow of celibacy with five, blissful weeks backpacking her favorite stretches of the Pacific Coast Trail (PCT) through Washington State. Solo.

Out-of-work financial analyst Evan Davenport hasn’t been happy since he was camping in Boy Scouts as a kid —before his wealthy parents and now ex-fiancé made all his major life decisions. Hoping to find joy and purpose, he buys all the latest ultralight backpacking gear, leaves a note, flies to Washington, and sets off

alone on his first week-long speed hike through the wilderness.

Except Mother Nature has other plans and keeps shoving Evan and Jules in each other’s paths. Usually naked. When sparks fly, can they find what they’re looking for in life together instead of apart?

Rating: 4/5 Stars - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED READ
Heat: 2/5 - FLIRTY
Genre: Romance, Contemporary
TBR Reviewer: Bella Star

- Review -

Jules is having a rough time with men. Evan is having a rough time with women. They both decide to quit looking for love and enjoy nature for a little while. Mother nature decides to play matchmaker and thrust them together. Did they finally find the right pairing or is this just another bad decision?

I wasn’t sure what to expected when I started reading this book. My contemporary choices lately have not been hits. So, I was a bit weary when I open the eBook and then I fell into the wonderful, sweet, sexy, funny world of Stacy Gold. Jules was just having one day after another but that doesn’t compare to Evan’s luck. Add that to them both being stuck out in the wilderness and let the fun begin. Or rather, the action, romance, flirting and humor. Seriously, this book had it all. Why not rate it 5 stars you ask? I was absolutely going to but the point of view threw me. Both main characters switch first person point of views. That made reading the story a bit tricky and hard to follow at times. Still, I did enjoy the book very much. This was my first book by Stacy Gold and I sure hope to read more (preferably with a different point of view style).

Wild at Heart is a fun, sweet romance, especially if you’re going camping.

FOLLOW STACY GOLD ON FACEBOOK

GIVEAWAY: Mr. Not So Heroic by James Cox

5/2/2022

6 Comments

Marriage or cannibals?

It’s a hard choice but one Amena must make. After their documentary crew is taken hostage in Africa by a rare tribe, she’s stuck in a precarious position. Marry their sexy tour guide or possibly be cooked and eaten.

Is there really a good option here?

Besides, Peter isn’t so annoying and he says it’s all for show. Now, they just have to keep up the act until rescue arrives. That’s easier said than done—the man’s sex appeal is as big as the bulge in his pants.

Genre: Romance, Erotic, Contemporary

TBR Reviewer: Bella Star

Rating: 5/5 stars - A Must Read

Heat: 5/5 - Orgasmic

- REVIEW -

Amena is the leader on a documentary in Africa. It all goes to hell when they’re attacked. They find the elusive tribe as they flee. However, they don’t believe in single women. She’s stuck with a choice: Marry the sarcastic tour guide Peter or a tribesman.

I love how tough and annoyed Amena is. She’s not one to be a helpless woman but she’s stuck in a terrible predicament. She agrees to marry Peter but technically it’s not a real marriage. They’re just trying to survive in the tribe until they can find a way out. However, spending all that time together has them bonding. Intimately. The sex scenes were smoking hot. Wow. Hello, ice cold shower. There’s also some action that really kept the pace going.

For a short story, Mr. Not So Heroic, is a fun and steamy read!

- Giveaway -

Prize One

Prize Two (ebook)

Prize Three

To ENTER comment below:

1. Why do you want to read Mr. Not So Heroic?
2. Have you read James Cox before?

For extra entries share this post using the Facebook and Twitter buttons below. Good luck!

WINNERS:
Gift card: Maggie
Ebook of Mr. Not So Heroic: Ana
Prize list book: Leeann

6 Comments

GIVEAWAY: Wrong for Him by Christi Barth

2/12/2022

4 Comments

Amelia Kirkland’s been head-over-heels for Teague Sullivan forever. Not that she’s ever let him know—as her brother’s best friend, he’s officially off-limits. That’s even more true once they become partners in rehabbing a historic inn. She can’t risk what she’s building with her brother and her friends just to fulfill a lifelong crush. Can she?

When Teague left the Special Forces, he didn’t know what would come next. Until his best friend, Alex, won an inn as a lottery prize and made him a partner. It’s his shot at getting everything he’s always wanted. Except for Alex’s beautiful sister. Amelia’s friendship was a lifeline while he was deployed, but

that’s a line he can’t cross. He owes his friend too much to betray his trust. Now, though? Working and living with her every day? He wants more.

If their secret romance is discovered, it could ruin everything before the inn has a chance. But does their one shot at happiness require them to break all the rules?

TBR Reviewer: Bella

Rating: 4/5 - Highly Recommended Read

Heat: 3/5 - Flirty!

- REVIEW -

Amelia is in love with her brother’s best friend. Teague has feeling for Amelia but being deployed overseas and she being his best friend’s sister, makes things complicated. Can they explore the feelings between them? How with her brother feel? What about the Inn that Teague and her brother own?

Amelia has the ‘green thumb’ in the family. She’s not concerned with how she looks, only how the garden does. She has always had feelings for Teague but with him being her brother’s best friend there’s a big barrier. Teague has issues of his own like being back from the military and his best friend is her brother. It’s an interesting tangle that I enjoyed unraveling. I liked their romance, it felt genuine and steamy. There’s also the addiction of Nora and James. They had a lot of page time in this story and we got to hear their tale of love. I liked all the characters but I feel like the focus was a little chaotic with the second couple added in. The romance is beautiful and hot. I really enjoyed this series and this book fits in perfectly!

Purchase Here

- GIVEAWAY -

Prize One

Prize Two

To ENTER you MUST comment below:

1. Why do you want to read Wrong for him?
2. Have you read Christi Barth before?

For extra entries share this post on Facebook and Twitter using the links below. Good luck!

Winners:
Gift card: Jessica
Back list book: Vanessa

4 Comments

REVIEW: A Glass of Red by Sam Carlson

1/25/2022

Title: A Glass of Red

Author: Sam Carlson

Length: 180 pages

Genres: LGBTQ, Contemporary Romance

TBR Reviewer: Fiona

Rating: 4 Stars - Highly Recommended Read!

Heat: 3/5 - Blush Worthy!

Noah is at a crossroads in his life. He's an art history major, who's working on his masters degree, but has no way of paying for it. He's been working on getting certified as a sommelier. To earn some extra money over the summer, he's interviewed for a job helping a rich couple, the Cunninghams, with the renovations of the new villa they bought in Italy. He discovers that they don't want him for his art history knowledge, but for his wine acumen.

Christian Caravelli has been drifting through life with no special plan. He's still living with his parents in Miami, but their arguing has led them to the point where a divorce seems inevitable. He decides to spend some time with his grandfather in Italy. When his grandfather falls and breaks his leg, he realizes he'll be unable to do the renovations on the villa he's been commissioned to work on, so he tells Christian that he'll have to do the work.

This sets up Noah to meet Christian when he arrives at the villa. Both points of view are used, and we see how both are attracted to each other. Along with the uncertainty of, is he gay or not? There is also the question of whether or not the other man finds him attractive. Noah has always been the shy, nerdy guy who is hesitant to take chances. Christian has always been the easy-going sexy man who's never been at a loss for men who want him. Over time, both men realize that not only are they both smitten with each other, but that there is the tantalizing possibility that this relationship could lead to more. Both have to be willing to sacrifice and change their future plans.

This was an enjoyable read. I also like learning about wines, and there were bits of knowledge about Italian wines tossed into the story. Since Italian reds are my favorite, I was pleased. I enjoyed the slow build-up to the sex scenes, since good sex starts in the mind, and both men have quite an imagination. This is a fun way to spend a couple of hours, pretending you're in Italy with Noah and Christian.

Purchase Here

GIVEAWAY: Called Into Action by Paris Wynters

9/24/2021

9 Comments

Title: Called into Action

Author: Paris Wynters

Genres: Romance, Suspense, Contemporary

TBR Reviewer: Bella

Rating: 4 Stars - Highly Recommended Read!

Heat: 3/5 - Blush Worthy!

Penelope is determined to become a K9 search and rescue specialist with her dog Havoc. What she doesn’t plan on is the hard-ass giving her the test. Jay isn’t sure they have what it takes but that is put to the test when a young boy goes missing. Now, they have to rely on each to save a life. Will the boy survive? With Penelope and Havoc find them? Will Jay admit his attraction to Penelope is only growing stronger?

I absolute loved this book! I loved the characters. I loved Havoc. I loved the plot. This has romance in it but it’s heavy with plot about saving the boy which is exactly what I look for in a book. My only issue is the pace is off. The beginning is very slow while the ending felt only full of action. I wish there was a balance there. That said, I still really enjoyed this story! Penelope and Havoc really shined. I loved her determination! Will they save the boy? The suspense was great and I highly suggest you read the book to find the answer. This is my first book by Paris Wynters and I’m excited to read more.

PURCHASE HERE

Giveaway:

Prize One

Prize Two: Ebook

Prize Three

To ENTER comment below:

1. Why do you want to read Called Into Action?
2. Have you read Paris Wynters before?

For extra entries, share this post using the Facebook and Twitter buttons below. Good luck!

WINNERS:
Gift Card: Corrine
Copy of Called Into Action: Shante
Prize list ebook: Carol

9 Comments

REVIEW: Whiskey and Moonshine by Elizabeth Noble

9/24/2021

Title: Whiskey and Moonshine

Author: Elizabeth Noble

Genre: Romance, Gay, LGBTQ, contemporary

TBR Reviewer: Bella

Rating: 4 Stars - Highly Recommended Read!

Heat: 3/5 - Blush Worthy!

I was actually a little confused by the blurb but I gave this book a try and I’m so glad I did! Colt was kicked out by his family as a teenager for being gay. Mal is the CEO who thinks Colt will be a great spokesman for his whiskey company. A romance begins to develop in the most unexpected places.

A billionaire meets a man who doesn’t have a home of his own, not exactly a new plot. I did love the characters though. Colt pulled at my heartstrings. I felt so bad that his family kicked him out! I wanted him to get back on his feet. I wanted him to find someone to call his own. I wanted him to have a home. Mal and Colt forge a friendship first which I really liked. It’s a slow romance that just builds up all those feelings so when they do get together, it’s beautiful! As the story unfolds so does their growing attraction. I loved reading that ending. It was just so edge of your seat kind of thing. Elizabeth Noble continues to impress me with her well thought out characters and romantic plots.

If you’re looking for a beach read or something fireside then I highly recommend Whiskey and Moonshine!

Purchase Here

REVIEW: Royally Indebted by M.J. Calabrese

9/13/2021

Title: Royally Indebted

Author: M.J. Calabrese

Genre: Romance, Gay, Contemporary

TBR Reviewers: Bella Star

Rating: 4 stars - Highly Recommended Read!

Heat: 4/5 - Smoking Hot!

A marriage by contract. Two men refusing to fall in love. Fate has different ideas. Can they find a connection when everything is trying to pull them apart?

This was an interesting story. Eric is in trouble. Financial trouble and his only way out is by marriage. Robert is a billionaire turned unexpected husband. These two men are an interesting duo. It’s hard to like one of the main characters (I’m not spoiling by telling which) but it does include cheating. Cheating for me is a deal breaker in a relationship. Still, I read on and found the author writers a great story. The romance is hot and the way the couple work through to the end is entertaining. So, other than the cheating, I thoroughly enjoyed Royally Indebted. I definitely want to read more by MJ Calabrese!

Purchase Here

REVIEW: The Drumbeat of his Heart

9/13/2021

Title: The Drumbeat of His Heart

Author: M. C. Roth

Length: 261 pages

Genres: LGBTQ, Contemporary Romance

TBR Reviewer: Fiona

Rating: 4 Stars - Highly Recommended Read

Heat: 4/5 - Smoking Hot!

Trent is an out-and-proud gay man who has had a few one-night stands, where he's always been the top, but he's never met anyone he wanted more from--nor has he ever felt he needed to. He's got a best friend from grade school named Candace, who is a lesbian. They've always supported each other through whatever life throws at them. Trent likes his job, owns a small, rundown house in a town so tiny that no one locks their doors. And he keeps three chickens in his backyard--he calls them his ladies.

One night when Trent's walking home from his job in a blinding rainstorm, a flashy Corvette almost slams into him, managing to splash him from the deep standing water it must have been swerving to avoid. He watches in shock while it smashes into a parked car. He runs to the wreckage, and pulls out a strikingly attractive man who is everything Trent has ever wanted. And since his car needs to be towed then fixed, and there's no hotel/motel or Uber in town, he needs a place to spend the weekend. Trent offers his house, then starts to stress, wondering if he'll be able to keep his hands off his houseguest.

Ian is a man so deeply in the closet that even his best friends don't suspect he's got anything to hide. But he joins Trent in the tiny shower, and over the weekend, they make spectacular use of Trent's bed, his sofa, his shower, etc. After so many days of continuing passion, Trent finds himself falling for Ian, even though Trent lives in Canada, and Ian in the USA--Miami, to be exact. But Ian is also keeping a secret from Trent--which leads to a fight due to a misunderstanding, and Ian leaves on bad terms.

This is a very realistic and graphic story about two men who don't want or expect to, falling in love so deeply that they can't help hurting each other, because of the stress of Ian's job--and a few instances on both Trent's and Ian's part, of jumping to erroneous conclusions. We know they'll end up together, but in-between the falling in love and the HEA, there is angst and suffering, along with some humor--mostly from Trent's relationship with Candace--and with his totally accepting, but over-bearing mother. There are also many steamy moments that are described in such detail, I was sure the author was a man--until I read the bio at the end. You'll laugh at the funny parts, feel Trent (and Ian's, and Candace's) pain while they suffer. And you'll get turned on by the frequent sex scenes. But you'll also enjoy this book a lot--I did.

Purchase Here

REVIEW - Backup Offer by Liz Crowe

8/21/2021

Title: Backup Offer

Stewart Reality, 9 - not stand alone

Author: Liz Crowe

Genre: Romance, Contemporary

TBR Reviewer: Bella

Rating: 4 Stars - Highly Recommended Read

Heat: 4/5 - Smoking Hot!

Brandis has had to overcome so much in his life: tragedy, addiction and losing the one woman he loved, Blair. When she comes home back, he hopes this is his second chance. Blair seems determined to keep them apart, even though she’s falling for his slobbering pooch. Can they find a balance and a happy ending?

This is book nine in the series. I definitely recommend reading the previous books because I became lost several times. I think reading the others in the series would have smothered that confusion. That said, I really like this book! Brandis and Blair are made for each other. Their past managed to split them apart but that’s what second chances are for. I like the reluctance of Blair to let Brandis in. Her heart was broken once before and she refuses to open it again. It is wonderful to read how Brandis has grown and improved with his recovery. That is very well done. Liz Crowe is a talented writer and I can’t wait to read more!

Only 3.99

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REVIEW: Rock Star by Leigh Court

- REVIEW -

REVIEW: Wild at Heart by Stacy Gold

- Review -

GIVEAWAY: Mr. Not So Heroic by James Cox

- Giveaway -

To ENTER comment below:

1. Why do you want to read Mr. Not So Heroic?
2. Have you read James Cox before?

For extra entries share this post using the Facebook and Twitter buttons below. Good luck!

WINNERS:
Gift card: Maggie
Ebook of Mr. Not So Heroic: Ana
Prize list book: Leeann

GIVEAWAY: Wrong for Him by Christi Barth

- REVIEW -

- GIVEAWAY -

Winners:
Gift card: Jessica
Back list book: Vanessa

REVIEW: A Glass of Red by Sam Carlson

GIVEAWAY: Called Into Action by Paris Wynters

Giveaway:

To ENTER comment below:

1. Why do you want to read Called Into Action?
2. Have you read Paris Wynters before?

For extra entries, share this post using the Facebook and Twitter buttons below. Good luck!

WINNERS:
Gift Card: Corrine
Copy of Called Into Action: Shante
Prize list ebook: Carol

REVIEW: Whiskey and Moonshine by Elizabeth Noble

REVIEW: Royally Indebted by M.J. Calabrese

REVIEW: The Drumbeat of his Heart

REVIEW - Backup Offer by Liz Crowe

Categories

Archives

- REVIEW -

- Review -

- Giveaway -

To ENTER comment below:1. Why do you want to read Mr. Not So Heroic?​2. Have you read James Cox before?​For extra entries share this post using the Facebook and Twitter buttons below. Good luck!

WINNERS:Gift card: MaggieEbook of Mr. Not So Heroic: Ana​Prize list book: Leeann

- REVIEW -

​- GIVEAWAY -

Winners:Gift card: JessicaBack list book: Vanessa

Giveaway:

To ENTER comment below:1. Why do you want to read Called Into Action?2. Have you read Paris Wynters before?For extra entries, share this post using the Facebook and Twitter buttons below. Good luck!

WINNERS:Gift Card: CorrineCopy of Called Into Action: ShantePrize list ebook: Carol

Categories

Archives

To ENTER comment below:

1. Why do you want to read Mr. Not So Heroic?
2. Have you read James Cox before?

For extra entries share this post using the Facebook and Twitter buttons below. Good luck!

WINNERS:
Gift card: Maggie
Ebook of Mr. Not So Heroic: Ana
Prize list book: Leeann

- GIVEAWAY -

Winners:
Gift card: Jessica
Back list book: Vanessa

To ENTER comment below:

1. Why do you want to read Called Into Action?
2. Have you read Paris Wynters before?

For extra entries, share this post using the Facebook and Twitter buttons below. Good luck!

WINNERS:
Gift Card: Corrine
Copy of Called Into Action: Shante
Prize list ebook: Carol