REVIEW - Rockaway Bride (Girl Band #3) by Pippa Grant

The Book

Release Date: 29 June 2918

Goodreads

A Rock Star Kidnaps a Runaway Bride…

Kidnapping the bride seemed like a good idea at the time.

Her fiancé stole my fortune, so I stole his woman.

Tit for tat. Or tat for tit. However you want to look at it.
The one thing I didn’t expect?

Willow Honeycutt, preschool teacher, boy band super fan, is completely crazy.

And somehow she’s turned the tables on me.

Now, she’s holding me hostage, and she won’t let me go until we hit every item on her sparkly new, completely insane bucket list.

And that last item?

That last item might cost me more than any fortune.

It very well might cost me my heart.

Rockaway Bride is a romping fun romance between a down-on-his-luck rock star and a boy band-loving preschool teacher, complete with a road trip, handcuffs, and fun with nuns. This romantic comedy stands alone with no cheating or cliffhangers and ends with a rockin' awesome happily ever after. 

My Review  5 STARS

We have seen Willow in other book where she is engaged toMartin, but he has never actually been seen before.  Even in this book the most we get from his is a telephone call.

Willow is a preschool teacher and plays in a band that covers pop bands, she is also the step sister of Manning.  She is supposed to be getting married to Martin the next day, but after a visit from all three of  her brothers in the castle gets cold feet.  She wakes up the next day handcuffed to Dax Sheppard the singer believing that she has kidnapped him.

Dax is going through a bad time, a hex on his band from a disgruntled woman claiming to be a witch he recently slept with, his band mate Danager having gone missing and having had all of his money stolen by Martin.  He believes that he has kidnapped Willow for ransom.

Both end up getting closer to the other and Willow decides that now is the best time to get out of the box that she feels confines her.  She pulls Dax along who feels like he needs to be there to protect her.

Lots of hilarity ensues, Willow asks her hacker friend to help Dex and when their friends and family  finally catch up to them, Willow returns to her box, much to Dax's disappointment.

Back in their worlds, Willow feels stifled and Dax moves to New York where they can have a tryst at night, where he decides that he needs to fight to get her back and goes and gets his girl with a little singing along the way.

I really enjoyed this story and especially the concert at the end, i look forward to reading the next story.

REVIEW - Beauty and the Beefcake (The Copper Valley Thrusters #3) by Pippa Grant

The Book

Release Date: 17 May 2018

Goodreads Link

She’s my sun and moon.

My stars, my air, my sunshine.

She’s every heartbeat.

There are two kinds of women in the world – those I can bang, and those I can’t.

My teammate’s sister?

She’s a can’t.

I moved in with her to protect her from a nasty ex, not to be the next guy in line.

She’s the brains.

I’m the brawn.

She’s the fruit.

I’m the sausage.

She talks too much.

I don’t talk at all, if I don’t have to.

Should be easy to resist her.

But every minute I spend with Felicity is another minute she gets under my skin. She makes me feel like something more than a dumb puckhead with a big Zamboni pony. And it’s getting harder to remember why I need to keep my hands to myself.

Beauty and the Beefcake is a vegan-friendly standalone romantic comedy featuring a hockey player whose vocabulary is the only thing smaller than a hockey puck, a book smart but aimless ventriloquist with too many voices in her head, a dilapidated old house that may or may not be haunted, and no cheating or cliffhangers.

My Review  5 STARS

It's official, Ares Berger is my favourite male character in all of the books that i have read so far by Pippa Grant.

Ares is the twin of Zeus and is the more silent twin who does not like to talk unless he needs to.  Others always step up and talk for him as he prefers to watch and listen and finds that he know people better this way.

Felicity is Nick Murphy's little sister and she has recently broken up with yet another douch-bag boyfriend.  The only problem is that she has left some of her stuff in his apartment and he is not cooperating in letting her get her things back.  She is also a talented Ventriloquist and has been practicing before she even knew what is was called.  She also attracts dirt bags where ever she goes.

Here enters an injured Ares asked by Nick to babysit her and make sure the ex causes no problems and Felicity can help Ares with her latest college course.

Both learn a lot from the other, but Felicity is the first person to SEE Ares other than his family.  She wakes up a part of him that he though he could never have and he has a soft protective quality and is always conscious of his overly large size.  He also does not do well behaving and staying off his injured foot.

I really enjoyed this pair and the crazy that Felicity brought to the partnership and the loyal steadfast and calm presence that Ares brings.

REVIEW - Royally Pucked (The Copper Valley Thrusters #2) by Pippa Grant

The Book

Release Date: 6 April 2018

Goodreads Link

A hockey-playing prince, a most improper lady, and one accidental pregnancy…

When you’re an heir so spare that getting attacked by a shark is more likely than you ever wearing the crown, you’re only allowed certain liberties. Yet still, those liberties can bite you in the ass.

Good thing I’m such a charming devil.

Even then, I’ve been banished to America for a year under the pretense of playing professional hockey while my father cleans up my latest mess. But trouble follows me wherever I go. Generally trouble of the beautiful female variety, and Gracie Diamonte is no exception. Or possibly, she’s the best exception.

Until the dinosaur suit. The cookie incident. And the accidental pregnancy.

Of course I’ll do the right thing.

Just as soon as I solve that pesky problem of my royal betrothal.

I’m about to be the biggest scandal to rock my country and there’s a good chance my father may throw me to the sharks after all. The funny thing is I’ve heard that raising children may not be so different from swimming with the sharks. So no matter how you look at things I am Royally Pucked.

Royally Pucked is a hilariously wrong romance between a spare heir and the lady least likely to ever wear a princess crown, complete with dirty cookies, an emotional support monkey, and lots of pucking around. This romantic comedy stands alone with no cheating, cliffhangers and ends happily with a family of…more than two.

My Review  5 STARS

In this book we get Manning who has been in the previous books and Gracie who is Joey's little sister.

Manning is a prince of a country off Norway and is far enough down the line that it does not matter if he goes off to play Hockey in America for a year.  It does not matter that he is also staying out of the way after causing a biota a scandal with the prime minister daughter.

Gracie is at a hockey game dressed as a t-rex in order to give Manning some cookies under cover as requested, however as Manning locks them in a locker room with his security outside, they manage to have a coupling, however, what thy don't know is that this will have repercussions down the line.

We get to see a stronger side of Gracie is this book and we also get to see more of Aries, who becomes another favourite character even if he does not speak much.  He is such a sweetie.

With obstacles in their way, Gracie takes it upon herself to help Manning get rid of the most major obstacle and in true form it is the women that sort things out better than the men.

I really enjoyed this book and the extra characters that we got to meet and i am now really looking forward to reading Aries and Felicity's story as we have already seen how they met.

REVIEW - The Pilot & the Puck-Up (The Copper Valley Thrusters #1) by Pippa Grant

The Book

Release Date: 16 February 2018

Goodreads Link

He’s the biggest, baddest, most spider-fearing motherpucker on the ice… 

When you’re named after the king of the gods, the world expects certain things of you. 

Tough? Damn right. 

Smart? Don’t let the hockey uniform fool you. 

Large and in charge? Honey, I’m the biggest, baddest, mother pucking-est machine to ever own the ice. I shoot. I score. In and out of the rink. I don’t come early, but I come often, if you know what I mean. And I always leave the ladies wanting more. 

Until that chick last night. 

I’m no one-thrust wonder, and you’re damn right I’m going to prove to her I can do better. But every time I think I’m finally on my way back into her pants, she one-ups and out-balls me. 

I should cut my losses, lick my wounds, and walk away. 

But Zeus Berger doesn’t walk away from anything. 

Especially when she's the only woman in the world who might be able to handle me.

My Review  5 STARS

Oh. my. goodness.  I could not stop smiling or laughing whilst reading this book.  This author always has high-jinx within the story and such loveable characters that you cannot help but falling in live with them.

Zeus Berger is famous in the hockey world and so is his twin brother Ares and they certainly have a special relationship.  Zeus is full of confidence, however an encounter with Joey has him chasing after a girl for the first time.  She is able to match him for wit and humour, not like other girls and actually challenges him.

Joey is a very strong character and she need to be with Zeus pushing her buttons.  She gives as good as she gets and is used to being the strong one and looking after others. 

All of the supporting characters are wonderful and we get insights into others characters who will be getting their own stories.

I really look forward to reading the next book in the series.

REVIEW - Holdout (Moo U #3) by Jaqueline Snowe

The Book

Release Date: 15 February 2021

Goodreads Link

Jonah Daniels has enough work preparing for his hockey season without spending time interviewing a roommate to help share expenses. So when some dude answers J.D.’s ad and agrees to his terms, he puts a key under the mat and leaves for practice. 

What he doesn’t expect is that his new roommate is not a dude at all, but an overtalkative, energetic hottie. What’s worse? She’s the younger sister of his friend on the team, and she’s sworn him to secrecy.

Ryann Reiner needs a place to live, stat. After an incident at the dorms that almost tanked her scholarship, Ryann wants a boring roommate who’ll leave her alone. J.D. almost fits the bill. He lives and breathes hockey, just like her brother, and he wouldn’t know a joke unless it hip checked him against the boards.

He’s also gorgeous. And broody. And he looks fine on laundry day, in too little clothing. Soon, late-night study sessions turn into dangerous flirting. And then a kiss turns into more. But they’re determined to keep things in the feelings-free zone. 

Until lines blur and tensions rise when Ryann’s brother learns the truth. And both their hearts are skating on thin ice...

My Review  4 STARS

**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

This book in the series carries on with a member of the Moo U hockey team from Vermont.  In this book we have Jonah, a serious boy who does not mix much with the other members off the ice, but has extreme focus when he is there and a big team player.

Ryan is the sister of another player and answers an ad for a room to board in when her dorm roommate is still smoking weed and drinking.  Things like this could get her scholarship in trouble and with no parents and only her brother, this would spell the end of college for her.

As always if this pair talked about their feeling they would see that things change for each other than just a hook up when it finally happens.  Both are made for each other and bring out the best in each other and open up about their families and their fears.

A good read and i would love to revisit all of the characters so far in the next books.

REVIEW - Slapshot (Moo U #2) by Rebecca Jenshak

The Book

Release Date: 15 February 2021

Goodreads Link

I’m banished to Vermont for a scandal that wasn’t my fault, and broke because my famous father cut me off. And did I mention my roommate stole my boyfriend? Yeah, I’m loving my Moo U experience. 

Now I need a job, because this gel manicure won’t upkeep itself. The only available option is the last one I’d ever want--a job as the hockey team’s equipment manager. My plan is to do the bare minimum, get paid, and find my way back into my father’s good graces. 

I will not get involved with a hockey player, no matter how hot. They’re cocky. And obnoxious. I know their type, and I’m not willing to risk getting hurt again. Until Lex Vonne glides into my life looking like sin on a stick. 

He thinks I’m a spoiled brat. 
I think he’s using me to get ahead. 
But the fire I feel when we’re together is like a slapshot to my heart… 

My Review  4 STARS

**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

Kaitlyn has been sent to Moo U by her father after misbehaving at her previous college.  Her father used to go to Moo U and was a famous Hockey player and she is known as his daughter and has been used in the past just for people wanting to get closer to her father.

Lex is a Hockey player for Moo U.  When he sees her, he is interested in her and pursues her, but she is always trying to hold back and he fights for her.  However is gets draining trying to prove that he just wants her.

Lex came into hockey late, so feels that he has to work harder than most to get to where he wants to be and drafted by the hockey leagues.

Its a sweet coming of age story based in a favourite world of mine in Vermont and it left me feeling good and really wanting to read more.

REVIEW - Blindsided (Moo U #1) by Victoria Denault

The Book

Release Date: 15 February 2021

Goodreads Link

What if Romeo wore hockey skates, and Juliet was raised on a farm next door?

As a life-long Vermonter, there are three beliefs I’ve always held true:
1. Our family farm is everything
2. Hockey is a close second
3. The Todds next door are our sworn enemies

But this season will test everything I stand for. 

I have an illicit side job that could cost me my hockey scholarship. And now Maggie Todd knows my secret. She’s waiting for the right moment to use it against me. But every time I face off against her, I learn things I shouldn’t want to know. Like how deeply her competitive streak runs, and how sexy that is. And how easy it is to make her blush… everywhere.

An Adler and a Todd cannot be lovers. Breaking that rule is like pulling a pin on a grenade--everything in my life could blow up. Can we surrender to these feelings… or will our families’ feud make us its next casualty?

My Review  5 STARS

**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

This series is set within Sarina Bowen's World of True North and it even mentions at one point the Shipley's which is great.

This book however focuses on the Todd's and the Adlers and a family feud that has been going on since shortly after the Adlers bought the farm next door to the Todds.

Magnolida Todd lives by campus with her sister Daisy two other friends, no longer clearing up after her friends means that their house is a mess and they have hired the services of manly maid unbent to Maggie.  But the person on their doorstep seems familiar to her and after a little chat it dawns on her its Tate Adler, her enemy.

Although neither of them know what actually started the family feud, they have never been friendly, however with his scholarship on the line he begs them not to post the photo they have taken online.  This is only leverage for Maggie who uses it to get half of a pitch at the famers market from them.

As they both spend time together they find they have more in common and end up falling for each other in a big way.

With Maggie and Daisy however, there has always been a gaping holier their family where their grandmother should be.  It is only when Daisy looks into it that the missing grandmother and some family secrets between the feuding families come out.

Tate and Maggie have a rocky middle when there are family getting in the way, but eventually the family that matter get them together and they make a lovely couple.  I cannot wait to read more from this Moo U series.

REVIEW - Audrey's Inn (The OGs #3) by Elle Aycart

Today we have the blog tour for AUDREY’S INN by Elle Aycart! Check it out and be sure to order your copy today!

Title: Audrey’s Inn

Author: Elle Aycart

Genre: Contemporary Romance

About Audrey’s Inn:

Audrey Fleming never had much of a family or place to call home, so when she gets the chance to buy an inn that once belonged to her late namesake, she doesn’t think twice. Never mind her lack of funds, connections, and experience. Besides, she’s out of options and Alden seems like the ideal place to lie low for a good long while. Connor Stonewell, beloved grandson of Greta, OG extraordinaire, was once one of Alden’s Golden Boys. Now he’s a hot mess. He’d never envisioned a future where he wasn’t in the military, so getting discharged after a mission gone horribly wrong has left him adrift in the civilian world. He’s too dangerous to be around his fellow soldiers—never mind a certain sweet, sexy innkeeper he can’t seem to stay away from. He should stop playing with fire. Pack his shit and disappear for good. Too bad he can’t do it. Walking away from Audrey is something every fiber of his being refuses to do. Their secrets will sooner or later catch up with them. Audrey and Connor both know it. But whether they’ll survive or crash and burn under the weight of revelation is anybody’s guess.  

Get Your Copy Today!

About Elle:

After a colorful array of jobs all over Europe ranging from translator to chocolatier to travel agent to sushi chef to flight dispatcher, Elle Aycart is certain of one thing and one thing only: aside from writing romances, she has abso-frigging-lutely no clue what she wants to do when she grows up. Not that it stops her from trying all sorts of crazy stuff. While she is probably now thinking of a new profession, her head never stops churning new plots for her romances. She lives currently in Barcelona, Spain, with her husband and two daughters, although who knows, in no time she could be living at the Arctic Circle in Finland, breeding reindeer.

Connect with Elle:

Goodreads | Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Facebook Group

   My Review  5 STARS

**My thanks to Inkslinger PR and the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

Honestly, i am never bored when i read a book from this author.  It has intrigue, love, chemistry, action brilliant characters and a plot that has you hooked from the very beginning.

Audrey (Nicky) is in town opening her new inn when she she's something and immediately goes to help.  Connor a local man is back in town and suffering a PTSD attack, Audrey recognises this as she gets closer and manages to talk him back into being calm and out from his attack.  Attraction is there from both sides, however Connor is a man with more than just scars and wants to try and keep his distance.

Trouble is Audrey likes him and while not being able to sleep, he helps her in the middle of the night like a house elf doing the gardening for the inn.

Both characters are hiding things, but the attraction between them is too strong and they cannot keep away from each other.

We get more high-jinx from the three old ladies called the OG's and the grandkids we have seen falling in love, we also get to seal the cast members come together and be there for each other for whatever is needed and for moral support when Connor finally opens up for his friends about why he is no longer in the military.

I really did love this book and really hope that we will get books based in Alden and have these wonderful, wacky characters and the big family they have become.

REVIEW - Jake Understood (Jake #2) by Penelope Ward

The Book

Release Date: 30 March 2015

Goodreads Link

From the New York Times bestselling author of Jake Undone, comes a full-length standalone companion novel and sequel. 

A different side to the story: Jake’s side.

“We’re getting a new roommate,” they said. 

I thought nothing of it...until she walked in the door. Her hand trembled in mine as she looked at me with fearful eyes. My entire world spun on its axis. 

Nina...

It was a mismatch made in heaven: innocent girl from the boonies moves in with tattooed, pierced, badboy engineer. 

I came up with a bet, a plan to tutor her in math and coach her through her phobias. What I wasn’t betting on was becoming addicted to her.

But I was living a double life on weekends, and once she found out about it, she’d be gone.

I had to protect myself and that meant one thing: I couldn’t fall in love. 

In Jake Understood, pivotal scenes from Jake Undone are retold from Jake’s point of view combined with all-new material from both the past and present time where Jake Undone left off. It can stand alone but if both books are read, should follow Jake Undone. Contains graphic sexual content and harsh language. It is only appropriate for adult readers age 18+.

My Review  5 STARS

I am glad that i read this straight after Jake Undone and was therefore able to relate between both books.

This book is mostly from Jakes's point of view from the present as her relates his side of things on the past with Nina while their son is now 8 areas old.  It goes from past to present and in the present friends have come round for a party, but Nina went out earlier that day and has not yet come back and it is evening time.

Friends Skylar and Mitch and Jakes sister Allison and her husband Cedric are all their and step in at times, however they get the whole story of how Nina and Jake came together and we get a retelling of the first story with Jakes thoughts and what he was going through at the time.

In the present once the story has caught up, we get Nina's perspective and what made her run.  Both however show just how much they still loved each other deeply and have faith their love will last whatever the hardship.  

At times it is emotional and Jake is Nina's rock always even at times hiding how scared he is.

I really enjoyed this book and glad we get a second chance to see them happy in their future.

REVIEW - Jake Undone (Jake #1) by Penelope Ward

The Book

Release Date: 21 October 2013

Goodreads Link

Nina Kennedy was alive…but not living…until she met him.

Planes, trains, heights…you name it, Nina was afraid of it and led a sheltered life ruled by irrational fears and phobias. When she moves to Brooklyn for nursing school, that life is turned upside down, as she develops an intense but unwanted attraction to her gorgeous roommate, who’s pierced, tattooed and just happens to be the smartest person she’s ever met.

Behind Jake Green’s rough exterior and devilish smile, lies a heart of gold. He makes it his mission to change Nina’s outlook on life. When he agrees to tutor her, they forge a bet and the stakes are high as Jake forces Nina to face her demons. He just wasn’t expecting to fall hard for her in the process.

What Nina doesn’t realize, is that Jake has been living his own private hell. Once he drops a bombshell, will their love survive it?

Told in two parts from both Nina and Jake’s points of view, Jake Undone is a standalone story and a companion to the novel, Gemini.

My Review  5 STARS

I have been meaning to read this book for a while and am glad that i finally got round to it.  This book is filled with so much angst and longing between the pair, but things never seem to run smooth however their deep their feelings go.   There is always something seeming to try and pull them apart, even themselves.

The pair have an instant chemistry when they first meet, but Jake has his reasons for not pursuing Nina, even though he really wants to.  He tries his best just to be friends with her, but it is obvious that Nina wants him too and the constant swing of emotions of push and pull has her confused.

Eventually, secrets and other people pull them apart, but only after they finally submit and spend a night together and the feelings of riding a high come crashing down.

Jake is a sensitive guy, holding it together and being their for those he cares about.  He sticks by them even when it causes him great pain.  He is greatly loyal and protective and loves to help those he cares about, his rough exterior is at odds with the man inside.

Nina is a girl with issues that Janke wants to help, he is great at building her up, but has less inner strength than Jake.  She does know however that she loves him and cannot live a life without him in it.  

Both crumble and fall, however it is only the thoughts of the other that pick them up and keep themselves going, Jake being stronger and fighting for what he wants.

It's quite an emotional story, but i am glad that i finally gave it a chance and read it.

REVIEW - Played by the Rockstar by Christina Hovland

The Book

Release Date: 25 February 2021

Goodreads Link

A rock star walks into a bar…

Certified behavioral counselor (and former band groupie) Becca Forrester needs a break. Taking a leave of absence from her job, she moves into the apartment over her parents’ garage, and clinches a gig waitressing at a dive bar known for bringing in big name musicians.

Cedric “Linx” Lincoln is a certified rock star. Bassist for the hugely popular rock band, Dimefront, he’s in Denver while the band is on hiatus a-freaking-gain. He's looking for something—anything—to keep him occupied until they can all get back to making music. When he saunters into his friend’s bar, he finds the perfect diversion.

Becca’s presence is a breath of fresh air. The sizzle she ignites in him is precisely what he needs. Bonus: no-stress, no-strings hookups are his specialty. But when things between them tip toward serious, his band implodes, and Becca's leave of absence ends, they’re forced to decide what their “real” lives should look like. Maybe there’s room for an encore…

My Review  5 STARS

**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

This is the beginning of a new series by this author and ties in to her Mile High Matched series as a spin off.

Becca is working in Brek's bar as she is taking an extended vacation from her therapist job after burning out.  She is friends with Velma, Breks wife.  Brek used to be a band manager and knew a band called Dimefront in which Link is a part of.  As Dimefront are taking a break, Break is looking after Linx.

Becca does not want anything like a relationship at the moment, however when he sees he, Cedric (aka Linx), knows that she is different and pursues her carefully.

Most of the issues come from Becca and what she wants out of life, Linx seems to adapt and muddle through, being there when he can and is allowed.  He also gets some family drama.

Becca's mother is a hoot and we even get to see a little more of the feisty Babushka, although this time she is not really meddling, but being her usual fun self.

I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the rest of the series and seeing what happens between Bad and Courtney.