Campus Player: a college sports romance

Campus Player is the first book in the Campus series by Jennifer Sucevic. Rowan Michaels is the gorgeous, talented quarterback at Western University. He has a reputation as a player on and off the field. His off field conquests were legendary and whispered across campus. Demi Richards has known Rowan since her father, the head coach of the football team, took him under his wing. Rowan eventually became the brother she never wanted or asked for; especially since she is fighting her own attraction. Demi focuses on school and her own soccer team. This semester put them even closer together as he needs tutoring and she can’t say no. Soon, it seems the one guy she has been trying to stay away from is the one she can’t get away from. As they spend time together, Demi begins to see that Rowan is the person she thought he was and he is carrying a secret that could change everything between them. 

I have read a lot of college campus sports romances and, for the most part I have enjoyed them while some have been misses. So, my expectations weren’t high for this story. At the beginning, I liked Demi as a college soccer player who vowed to stay away from the members of her father’s football team and focus on her own studies and future plans. However, as the story went on, I liked her less and less and liked Rowan more and more. I especially gave up when he finally tells her his secret and her mind goes in the opposite direction instead of what he was plainly trying to say. Then after that as they talked about their pasts, I liked them both even less. Overall, it was an okay story but I was bored. It was way too long and drawn out. I will not be continuing the series. I do not recommend Campus Player. 

Campus Player is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Shot in the Dark: urban fantasy romance with hunters and fae

Shot in the Dark is the first book in the Shot in the Dark series by Mary Dublin and Anne Kendsley. Elysia has simple rules: obey the curfew, never fly past the boundaries and never, ever speak to humans. Sylvia has spent her life evading the village’s ironclad rules. She has always been curious about the world outside the village. One journey takes her to an empty mansion where she visits with the resident ghost and searches through the treasures left behind. Her secret exploration is shattered when a bullet pierces her wing and she is taken captive by seasoned hunters, Jon and Cliff. After she saves Jon’s life, Sylvia and the hunters form an unlikely alliance to hunt for a cruel werewolf. As they hunt together, she learns the stories about humans aren’t as true as she was taught and her cold hostility melts into a cool respect and maybe even an attraction. Will they find the werewolf in time? 

As a fan of Supernatural, I was intrigued by Shot in the Dark as it is described as “an action packed urban fantasy novel” that explores “forbidden love and found family.” I am fairly new to the urban fantasy genre as I do not read much in this area and the inspirational connection to Supernatural is what drew me in. The story was interesting at first, slows down in the middle, then the action speeds up in the last quarter of the book. There is a bit of a romance between Jon and Sylvia but there are no spicy scenes. As I read, I wasn’t sure if I liked the book or would be continuing the series. However, with the final actions at the end and the epilogue, I am intrigued enough to continue the series. I liked the characters and the story definitely as a Supernatural/hunting vibe. If you enjoy urban fantasy, I recommend Shot in the Dark. 

Shot in the Dark is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Building Fences: a second chance romance

Building Fences is the first book in the Cedar Creek Families series by Violet Howe. Caroline Miller’s life has been thrown into turmoil as she is on the verge of divorce, an upcoming move with her two children and someone connected to her birth mother reaches out. Caroline has been searching for her birth mother for years and now she finds herself driving to Cedar Creek, only to have her car stolen in a plank gone horribly wrong. Love is the last thing on her mind and she definitely wants nothing to do with Levi, the handsome prankster, who tries to make amends. As she prepares to reunite with her birth mother and learn more about her origins, Caroline begins to examine her current life and her wide open future. Will she take a chance on love again? 

Building Fences is my first full length novel by Violet Howe. I love stories of second chances, rebuilding lives after life changing events, so I was looking forward to reading this story and being introduced to a new author. After the first chapter, I was confused about who was who and had to reread a few sections for clarity. There were a few awkward sentences and I thought maybe I was reading too fast to understand but slowing down and rereading didn’t help much. It didn’t do better from there. As I read, I found the storyline farfetched, the characters were unlikeable and the length of the novel was too long. Overall, I did not enjoy Building Fences and I will not continue with this series. If you are a fan of Violet Howe’s books, you may enjoy Building Fences. 

Building Fences is available in paperback and eBook

Not You Again: what if Mr Right is right there among the Mr Wrongs?

Not You Again by Terri Osburn is the first book in the NOT series. Becca Witherspoon has agreed to four blind dates in five days. She only agrees to get her four best friends off her back. They are worried about her and if a few dates will convince them that she is fine, then she’ll do it. How bad can a few blind dates be? Apparently, very bad. Each date is worse than the last. And none of them compare to her former fiance. Becca needs to prove she doesn’t need a man to move on. However, on each date, a beautiful stranger keeps saving her from the awful dates. Jacob Kim keeps crossing her path and the more time she spends with him, the more she wishes he was one of the dates. With one date left, will Becca get her wish? Are the odds in her favor? 

From the opening chapter to the last page, Not You Again, is a fun, sweet clean romance with plenty of laughs, emotions and a few tears and hard-hitting moments. I loved the recurring statement that it is okay not to be okay as Becca lives life just going through the motions. It is a lesson Becca needs to learn. The reason why Becca’s friends think she needs to move on from her former fiance isn’t revealed until near the end and it is a doozy! I loved Becca’s growth as she learns to speak up, to heal and to find and give forgiveness. I loved Jacob’s character and I loved how their paths kept crossing. The supporting cast of characters are loving and willing to call out Becca’s excuses. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I highly recommend Not You Again. 

Not You Again is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

A SEAL's Oath: a second chance romance

A SEAL’s Oath by Cora Seton is the first book in the SEALs of Chance Creek. Navy SEAL Boone Rudman and his friends are creating a sustainable community with the hopes that, if successful, can be replicated anywhere in the world. When Martin Fulsom offers them land in Chance Creek, they take it. However, Fulsom is expecting families in the new town. Boone and his friends are as single as they come. Now Boone needs to find a wife or lose his chance at his dream. When he arrives at Westfield, he finds that it is already occupied by Riley Eaton, the woman who got away and has occupied his mind ever since. Riley is at a crossroad in her life. With no job and no prospects, she and her friends throw caution to the wind and decide to stay at the ranch her uncle inherited and create a Jane Austen style vacation for six months in Chance Creek. As Boone and Riley realize their plans for the land clash, can they find a way to help each other? Or will they destroy their chance for the futures they dream of? 

I love novels that feature military men and second chance romances. Of course, the cover caught my eye. Marriages of convenience as a trope seem a little far fetched but can make for a good romance. When I bought this book, the Jane Austen aspect in the blurb didn’t register. I added it to my To-Be-Read list and moved on. It came up on the list and I started reading. Boy, was I disappointed. I am not a fan of Jane Austen. And I do not get the appeal of someone who wants to live in “a simpler, more beautiful life-one that allows time for art, literature and music.” What? The Regency Era, simpler? Seriously? Whatever. But then Boone and his friends lecture endlessly about global warming and sustainability that it bogs down the story and you forget you’re reading a romance novel. I found Boone and Riley too immature and stubborn. Sadly, this book was not what I thought it was and by the end, I didn’t care if Boone and Riley found a common ground. I certainly will not be finishing the series. If you enjoy stories of Navy SEALs and love Jane Austen, you may enjoy A SEAL’s Oath. 

A SEAL’s Oath is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Forever Only Once: a gritty, hard hitting romance

Forever Only Once by Carrie Ann Ryan is the first book in the Promise Me series. Hazel Noble lives her life by strict measures. She has survived horrors and found the strength to build the life she loves. However, when her group of friends make a pact to start looking for love, Hazel finds herself the first one up. Cross Brady has no need for love. All he wants to do is live his life as peacefully as possible. However, when an accidental meeting with Hazel causes his life to take a dramatic turn. Taking their new found relationship as slow as possible, Hazel and Cross cannot deny the spark between them, but someone is determined to keep them apart. Is it someone from Hazel’s past or is it someone a little closer to home? 

Forever Only Once is such a great story. There’s suspense, action, packed with friendly and flirty banter and a tad bit of spice. Hazel is a woman who is trying to live in peace, determined to leave her painful past behind her and yet, a threat still lingers in the back of her mind. Cross is the typical older, protective brother who looks out for those he feels needs the backup. I loved that Cross understood Hazel’s hesitations and followed her lead as to how fast or slow they take their relationship. I also loved their support system of friends and family. It is a gritty, hard hitting story with great characters and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I recommend Forever Only Once. 

Forever Only Once is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

More Than This: a sweet and steamy romance and getting out of your comfort zone

More Than This by Shannyn Schroeder is the first book of the O'Leary's series. When she learns that her ex-husband is going to be a father, Quinn Adams is on a mission. With the help of her sister and their friend, Quinn is given a list of challenges to complete that summer, challenges designed to be life changing and get Quinn out of her comfort zone. Ryan O’Leary is the sexy bartender at their favorite hang out and he decides he is the perfect person to help Quinn with her list. As he helps her set up and complete the challenges, their friendship grows. Soon Ryan realizes that he wants more from Quinn. Can he convince her that he is the man for all her adventures? 

Wow! More Than This is a sweet and steamy romance, packed with humor and tough life lessons. Quinn is a high school teacher who plays it safe. Ryan is the sexy bartender who is willing to show her the fun in taking risks. I immediately loved Ryan and saw how perfect he was for Quinn. It takes her a bit of convincing but once she lets her guard down, the fireworks erupt! The challenges were fun and I loved seeing Quinn break from her shell and become more confident. I loved all the characters, especially the large and rambunctious O’Leary family. I loved this story and look forward to reading the rest of the series. If you enjoy sweet and steamy romance, I highly recommend More Than This. 

More than This is available in paperback and eBook

Hidden in Plain Sight: a romantic suspense story

Hidden in Plain Sight by Elana Johnson is the first book in the Forbidden Lake series. Jonathan “Jon” Addler is a member of a local prominent family finishing his degree at Northwestern Michigan College. He takes a cooking class as an elective as well as the hopes it will help him impress a woman. Cassandra “Cassie” Caldwell is the professor who holds a secret. Cassie is trying to keep her twin brothers safe. They moved to Forbidden Lake to hide and off the radar of a violent man. She can’t risk her family’s safety for anything. Until she meets Jon. Their instant connection tests Cassie’s resolve and Jon can’t help but want to protect her. As she is on constant high alert, can Jon convince her she is safe in Forbidden Lake with him? Or will she run again? 

Hidden in Plain Sight is a fast paced, sweet romance with a splash of suspense. It was a fast read as I was able to finish it in a few hours. It was engaging with a sweet romance and attention getting as the suspense builds. I enjoyed Jon and Cassie’s characters. Jon had a Romeo vibe as he takes the class to impress one woman but falls in love with another! I loved their flirty banter even though Cassie knew she needed to keep her distance. I loved Jon’s instant protection of Cassie and her brothers. He offered help without a second thought. I also enjoyed the hints at future stories especially with Jon’s reclusive brother. There’s definitely a story there! I am looking forward to the rest of the series. I highly recommend Hidden in Plain Sight. 

Hidden in Plain Sight is available in paperback and eBook

Under the Maui Sky: one secret, one betrayal threatens to tear apart a family

Under the Maui Sky is the first book in the Maui Island series by Kellie Coates Gilbert. It is the story of Ava Briscoe and her four children as they deal with the loss of a loved one and a betrayal that will shake them to the core. Ava Briscoe’s strength and resilience will be put to the test. Christel is the oldest Briscoe child and the foundation that she trusted to stand firm will be shaken. Katie is a wife, mother and businesswoman, she yearns for a chance to shine. Aiden makes a living rescuing people in trouble but can he rescue his family when they need him the most? Lastly, Shane, the baby, has been tagged as the ne'er-do-well. He does what he can to live up to it but deep down he wishes for the chance to prove his worth. Will they find a way to come together, stronger than ever? Or will this secret break them beyond repair?

With the beautiful tropical island atmosphere, Under the Maui Sky is an emotional ride of grief, heartache, and devastation. It is a story that will have readers quickly turning the pages to the end. It is a story that takes hold and will not let go. A dark secret is revealed that will turn their grief and heartache to anger. Ms. Coates Gilbert has an amazing ability to capture families and their dynamics. The reactions of each character were very authentic. The interactions between the siblings were realistic. I could easily imagine myself and my siblings bickering and bantering the same way. There were moments of tears and moments of laughter. There were moments of shock and despair. I closed the book with tears in my eyes and my heart filled with hope. I look forward to the rest of the series as the Briscoe family continues to deal with their issues. I highly recommend Under the Maui Sky! 

Under the Maui Sky is available in paperback and eBook

The Surprise Wedding: a fun romance for a lazy afternoon

The Surprise Wedding is the first book in the Veils and Vows series by Jean Oram. Devon Mattson is desperate to get his ex-girlfriend's attention. He’d rather not have to talk with her but he needs her help to save Blueberry Springs, his hometown. Olivia Carrington isn’t happy that Devon shows up at her private event. But he offers a solution that she is desperately looking for that could save her company’s organic cosmetic line. As the current mayor is running an election on a proposed dam, Devon decides to run against him to stop the dam. Olivia offers to help him with his image as the dam would ruin her chance to find what she needs for her cosmetics. Now they must play nice in order to achieve their goals including faking an engagement. When they get caught up in the charade, they are forced to confront their past. Will they ruin their chances of success? Or will their fake engagement lead to a real wedding? 

I recently read a book that dealt with a pretty heavy topic and I felt the need for a light hearted, fun story and The Surprise Wedding was it. The Surprise Wedding is a sweet romance with a bit of drama. A fast read, it is perfect for a laid back, lazy afternoon, I was able to read it in a few hours. I enjoyed the characters, especially Devon and Olivia. Their drama, history and attraction to each other made for a great story of re-falling. love. I enjoyed their banter. At first, their angry snaps at each other to their flirty, carefree banter was great. I also enjoyed their heart to heart talk as they confront their past, their hurts and their wrongs. It was heartfelt and real. I look forward to continuing the series and visiting Blueberry Springs again. If you like sweet romance set in a fun small town, I recommend The Surprise Wedding. 

The Surprise Wedding is available in paperback and eBook. 

Second Chance Grill: small town drama and romance

Second Chance Grill by Christine Nolfi is the first book in the Liberty series. Dr Mary Chance needs a break from practicing medicine after the tragic loss of her closest friend. When the opportunity came to reopen her aunt’s struggling restaurant in Liberty, Ohio, she thought it was exactly what she needed. Unfortunately, reopening the restaurant wasn’t as smooth as she thought. She wasn’t prepared for the eccentric residents and one determined eleven year old girl. Blossom Perini is a girl who has been through hell, battling leukemia and has emerged victorious. Now she is determined to find a wife for her father, Anthony, and Mary is the perfect candidate. Mary can’t help being drawn to Blossom and Anthony but she tries to resist. But when Blossom faces another battle, Mary and the town will rally together for her and set in motion an outpouring of love from outside their small community. 

Second Chance Grill is touted as “an unforgettable tale of love, loss and second chances,” and while it was an emotional story, I closed the final pages conflicted. I have loved Ms. Nolfi’s books in the past and I expected to enjoy this one. Unfortunately, I did not. At certain parts, I was bored and even annoyed over the small town antics of its eccentric residents. And other parts, I was angry and not angry as I think Ms. Nolfi intended. While Second Chance Grill had all the elements of a great small town story that I usually love, however, I didn’t care for Mary, Blossom or Anthony and other characters really grated my nerves. The romance between Mary and Anthony started off fine, then morphed into something cringey. There were actions of some characters that bordered on the criminal with no consequences or at least any I saw. Unfortunately, Second Chance Grill wasn’t the story I expected. 

Second Chance Grill is available in paperback and eBook

Come for Me, Darling: a disappointing love story

Come for Me, Darling by Alexis Anne is the first book in the Calusa Key series. It is a story of small-town friends who fall in love on a small island in Florida. In the first book, we see the story of Benjamin “Ben” Kaine, a celebrity contractor who takes old homes and returns them into the homes of people’s dreams. He has been hired by Paris Montague, on the behalf of her sister, London, to restore their late grandmother’s house for sale. London is the girl he fell in love with in high school but never had a chance to tell her how he felt. Now they are back on the same small island and Ben is determined to not let this chance slip by. Will he be able to convince her to take a chance on love...with him? 

I liked the description for this series. Unfortunately, Come for Me, Darling was a disappointment. It began with a narrator in the first person and switches first person narrators without telling the reader. It was bogged down with childish antics and pranks. As the first book in the series, I expected a romantic story which would urge me to read the rest of the series. I felt there wasn’t enough chemistry between Ben and London. I didn’t care for the other Kaine brothers or Anderson sisters to want to read their stories. Come for Me, Darling fell short of expectations and I do not recommend it. 

Come for Me, Darling is available in paperback and eBook.