The Cutting Edge (St. Pete Slashers #1) by Lisa Daily Review

The Cutting Edge by Lisa Daily
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lisa Daily has a game-winner with THE CUTTING EDGE (St. Pete Slashers #1). Figure Skater Coco Charmaine ends up in the hospital after being hit in the head with a puck by NHL star Logan Rivers. Logan feels guilty for hurting Coco continually visiting her and getting her presents. He believes that she is the reason he comes out of his hockey slump. His coach offers Coco money to continue to hang out with Logan during the playoffs. Coco struggles with lying to him.

THE CUTTING EDGE is a heartwarming and entertaining story. Coco is the figure skating instructor for Logan’s niece/daughter, Poppy. I love the relationship she has with both Poppy and Logan. Poppy is adorable and continually made me laugh. Logan is smitten by Coco. He gives her the best presents. He is very thoughtful. Both Coco and Logan keep things from the other than cause issues for the couple.

There are interesting obstacles and situations in the story. I am looking forward to Cam and Lana’s story next, COLD FEET I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

Format: 225 pages, Kindle Edition

Published: June 17, 2023 by Siesta Key House

Language: English

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In a Badger Way (Honey Badger Chronicles #2) by Shelly Laurenston Review

In a Badger Way by Shelly Laurenston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The MacKilligan sisters' story continues, IN A BADGER WAY by Shelly Laurenston. Honey Badger/Tiger hybrid, Stevie MacKilligan goes undercover to help capture a scientist experimenting on hybrids. Simultaneously, she sets her sights on Bodyguard/Giants Panda shifter, Shen Li. This contemporary PNR is suitable for adults. It will have you laughing uncontrollably.

I can always count on Shelly Laurenston to make me laugh so hard that I cry. I love her humor. I find it amusing how she adds in different animal quirks of the shifters. Top that off with the hybrids and she takes it to another level of entertaining. There is never a dull moment in this story.

I love Stevie. She was a child prodigy in both music and science. I love the way her mind works. The stuff going on with her family is always amusing. Shen is the perfect boyfriend, whether he wants to be or not, for Stevie. He’s laid back and happy. I love how he chews bamboo any time he wants to distract someone’s attention.

I appreciate how Shelly Laurenston includes characters from her other work in this story. It’s fun when someone from a previous book pops up. I’m always excited when Shelly Laurenston comes out with a new shifter book. I was not disappointed. IN A BADGER WAY had me laughing throughout the entire book. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

eBook
Published March 26th 2019 by Tantor Audio
ISBN 1541419774 (ISBN13: 9781541419773)
Series: Honey Badger Chronicles #2

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Heated Rivalry (Game Changers #2) by Rachel Reid Review

Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rachel Reid melts the ice with HEATED RIVALRY, the second book in the Game Changer series. Captain of the Montreal Voyageurs, Shane Hollander, and Boston Bears captain, Ilya Rozanov, are rivals. They both share a secret that could alter their lives. This contemporary sports romance is suitable for adult audiences.

I really liked Shane’s and Ilya’s characters. Their rivalry kept reminding me of Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin. The media has always played them against each other since the World Junior Hockey Championships and Draft. Shane is a humble, serious, and a good role model. He has an awesome family. Ilya is pretty much Shane’s opposite. He is arrogant and obnoxious. Ilya does not have a great family life. Both characters are lovable in their own ways. Their competition makes them better players.

I enjoyed the plot. There were interesting twists. The story was believable and heartwarming. This is the first book that I have read by Rachel Reid. I enjoyed her writing style. HEATED RIVALRY was skillfully-written and executed. I want to go back and read book one, GAME CHANGER. I could follow this book with no problem having not read the first book. However, Scott Hunter from book one is referenced in this novel, and I want to read his story. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

Kindle Edition, 310 pages
Expected publication: March 25th 2019 by Carina Press
Original Title: Heated Rivalry
ASIN: B07H5K8SFW
Edition Language: English
Series: Game Changers #2

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On Thin Ice (Juniper Falls #3) by Julie Cross Review

On Thin Ice by Julie Cross
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Julie Cross scores a hat trick with the third book in the Juniper Falls series, ON THIN ICE. Hockey captain, Jake Hammond, is tasked with helping coach the new girl’s hockey team after being injured during a hazing ritual. He discovers that there is more to life then hockey as he gets to know the new girl, Brooke Parker. This story is suitable for young adults. It takes place in Juniper Falls, Minnesota.

I liked Brooke. She has had to deal with a difficult home life situation that caused her to relocate from Austin, Texas to Juniper Falls to live with her grandma. She decides to try out for the new girl’s hockey team to fit in and make friends. I love Jake. He is brave and has great values. I appreciated that he owns up to his mistakes and takes a stand to do what is right. I like how Brooke and Jake get to know each other. They come into each other’s lives at a point where they really need each other to help them deal with their situations. To outsiders, they might seem like a strange couple, but they help save each other (literarily and figuratively).

Julie Cross does an amazing job with this novel. The name of the book is very clever. The plot was skillfully executed. The topic of hazing is relevant and important. ON THIN ICE is a story of courage and doing what is right. The novel had a perfect ending. I love how characters from the previous books (like Mike Steller) were tied to the outcome of this novel. This has become my favorite book in the series. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

Paperback, 340 pages
Expected publication: February 26th 2019 by Entangled: Teen
ISBN 164063410X (ISBN13: 9781640634107)
Series; Juniper Falls #3

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Skating Through by Jennifer Cosgrove Review

Skating Through by Jennifer Cosgrove
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jennifer Cosgrove’s SKATING THROUGH is heartfelt and inspiring. I loved this novel. Ben Lewis is captain of his high school hockey team. Knowing how difficult the locker room can be, he has kept the fact that he is gay a secret. Several things take place that make Ben question if he should come out of the closet. He is tired of hiding who he is.

I love Ben. My heart broke for his emotional struggles. He is a great guy and friend. He is an excellent hockey player, getting a hockey scholarship to Boston University. He is a good captain. He is understandably afraid that if he comes out he will have to give up the sport he loves.

I adore Ben’s best friend; Ryan I appreciate that he looks out for him and accepts him for who he is. I love that Ben had him to rely on. Marcus Blake is a good guy. He is honest and supportive. Rachel was entertaining. She is a fierce friend I would not want to mess with. I respected Ben’s discovery of the past and his Grandmother’s support.

This is the first book that I have read by Jennifer Cosgrove. I enjoyed her writing style. She does an excellent job of getting you into the characters head and knowing how they feel. SKATING THROUGH is an excellent read for any young adult or adult. Whether they can relate to the character or are straight and want to understand struggles a peer may face. SKATING THROUGH is a worthwhile and emotional read. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

ebook
Published July 2nd 2018 by NineStar Press
ISBN: 139781949340037
Edition Language: English
URL: https://ninestarpress.com/product/skating-through/


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Melt for You (Slow Burn, Book 2) by J. T. Geissinger Review

Melt for You by J.T. Geissinger
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

J. T. Geissinger triumphs with MELT FOR YOU, the second book in the Slow Burn series. Joellen Bixby has a crush on her companies’ CEO, Michael Maddox. She gets help from her new neighbor, Cameron McGregor, captain of the Scotland national union rugby team, to get Maddox’s attention. Unfortunately, Cameron has fallen for Jo in the process. This contemporary sports romance primarily takes place in New York. It is suitable for adult audiences.

I knew I was going to love this book just after reading the first page. The story starts out with the heroine’s top ten reasons why the Holidays Suck. It was hilarious. I love Joellen’s humor. Even her dreams were funny. I like her character. She underestimates herself. She has no idea that she is appealing, which is understandable, considering how her mother treats her. She has worked at Maddox Publishing for ten years and been in love with Michael for just as long.

Cameron McGregor is a fun character. He is vibrant. He sees Joellen for who she truly is. He respects her. He has a great outlook on life. He is good for Joellen. I love how they interact with each other.

Joellen’s boss, Portia, was a fascinating character. You hate her. She is a witch, to put it nicely. You don’t always know what to expect from her. She ends up surprising you.

MELT FOR YOU is skillfully written and entertaining. It is a story that is hard to put down. It has multiple examples of why you should not judge people until you get to know them. I loved that the epilogue starts off with another top ten list (also amusing). I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

Kindle Edition, 344 pages
Published May 15th 2018 by Montlake Romance
ASIN: B0777PYT6J
Edition Language: English
Series: Slow Burn #2

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Hooked On You (Chicago Rebels #3) by Kate Meader Review

Hooked On You by Kate Meader
4.5 of 5 Stars

Kate Meader scores a hat trick with book three in the Chicago Rebels series, HOOKED ON YOU. After never meeting her biological father, Violet Vasquez inherited a third of the Chicago Rebels hockey team, along with her two half-sisters. She doesn’t plan on sticking around after the season is over. Meanwhile, the Chicago Rebels captain, Bren St. James, needs a nanny. With the playoffs at stake, Violet takes the job. This contemporary sports romance is suitable for adult audiences.

I like Bren. He is a recovering alcoholic. His kids mean the world to him. His ex-wife, Kendra, is a piece of work. Violet is good for him. Violet is an amazing character. She survived breast cancer. She doesn’t feel like she fits in. She doesn’t realize the impact she has made on everyone’s lives since she moved to Chicago. She’s fun and encouraging. Bren and Violet both grow throughout the story.

I enjoyed HOOKED ON YOU. It was an entertaining read. The characters faced relevant obstacles. I love the Ferris Bueller’s Day Off scene. That was classic.

I have enjoyed the plot of the Chicago Rebels series. It is unique and charming. The new management at the Chicago Rebels is unconventional. I love that the team supports and appreciates them. I recommend reading these books in order. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

Paperback, 384 pages
Published May 29th 2018 by Pocket Books (first published May 7th 2018)
ISBN 1501180908 (ISBN13: 9781501180903)
Series: Chicago Rebels #3

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Wolf Nation: The Life, Death, and Return of Wild American Wolves by Brenda Peterson

Wolf Nation: The Life, Death, and Return of Wild American Wolves by Brenda Peterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wolves are my favorite animal. So, when I saw this book, I was instantly intrigued. Brenda Peterson does a nice job with portraying the historic and scientific aspect of saving the wild American wolves. I am knowledgeable about wolves, yet I learned a lot through this book. It is well documented, researched, and supported. WOLF NATION is skillfully written and an informative read. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

ebook, 240 pages
Published May 2nd 2017 by Da Capo Press
ISBN 0306824949 (ISBN13: 9780306824944)

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Pipe Dreams (Brooklyn Bruisers #3) by Sarina Bowen Review

Pipe Dreams by Sarina Bowen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sarina Bowen scores a hat trick with the third book from the Brooklyn Bruisers series, PIPE DREAMS. I love this series. PIPE DREAMS is goalie, Mike Beacon’s and Lauren Williams’ story. This contemporary sports romance takes place in New York. It is suitable for adult audiences.

The beginning of the novel overlaps with the previous book. Lauren is with her boss/team owner, Nate Kattenberger, in his private box watching the Bruisers in the play-offs. I loved hearing this story from her point of view. In the previous stories, Lauren comes off as cold. We find out why. It is totally understandable and nothing like her actual personality.

Sarina Bowen does a fabulous job with her character development. Lauren is a strong and astonishing heroine. She is hard working and determined. Her heart was broken by Mike, and she is uncomfortable when being forced to work for the team. Mike is an amazing guy and dad. He is caring, persistent, and protective. He could have handled his break-up with Lauren better, but under the circumstances, why he did it was admirable. I love that these two get a second chance. They clearly never got over one another. They are good together. He is a spontaneous action kind of guy to her analytical planning.

The plot was realistic and believable. I like how the story flashed back and forth in time. I like that Lauren gets to know the other females in the series better. There are many interesting things that happen in this story that keep it exciting. This is one of those books that is hard to put down. I read it in one day.

Nate seems to like to get involved with his staff and players’ personal lives. I love that Lauren, doesn’t let Nate intimidate her and does the same to him. I’m really looking forward to Becca’s and Nate’s story in the next book. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

ebook, 336 pages
Published May 2nd 2017 by Berkley Books
ISBN: 139780399583483
Edition Language: English
Series: Brooklyn Bruisers #3


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Sin With Me (Bad Habit #3) by J.T. Geissinger Review

Sin With Me by J.T. Geissinger
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

J.T. Geissinger prevails with SIN WITH ME the third book in the Bad Habit series. After losing her memory and family, Grace Stanton, is apprehensive of relationships. Bad Habit’s lead guitarist, Brody Scott, hides a guilty secrete from his youth. Their chemistry is undeniable. Fate has interesting things in store for the couple. This contemporary Rockstar romance is suitable for adult audiences. It takes place in California.

Grace and Brody are a fun couple. I love how they are always quoting movie lines to each other, and that they call each other out on the verbatim of the words. I found it amusing, how they would playfully tell the other one things like they were ugly or had big uneven feet. I like that they are both adrenalin junkies. I love Brody’s church.

I found it appropriate that they both had scars from their past that caused nightmares and phobias. Fate played an interesting roll in this story. They both had a lot to deal with in this story and came out the better for it.

I savored that the characters from the previous books played an important part of this novel. Starting with the birth of Chloe and A.J.’s baby (from book two MAKE ME SIN). The characters in this novel are amazing friends who are like a family to each other.

I loved this story! It helped that I already liked the main characters from the previous books in the series, but we learn so much more about both Brody and Grace in SIN WITH ME. J.T. Geissinger does an incredible job with her character development and plot. She is a skilled writer who creates power stories. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

Paperback
Published April 25th 2017 by Montlake Romance
Edition Language: English
Series: Bad Habit #3

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Dancing in the Rain by Kelly Jamieson Review

Dancing in the Rain by Kelly Jamieson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kelly Jamieson’s DANCING IN THE RAIN is an incredible heartfelt read. NHL star, Drew Sellers, is forced to retire due to a knee injury. He discovers he has a twelve-year-old daughter, a result of a one-night-stand in college. Then he reluctantly finds himself attracted to his daughter’s aunt, Payton Watt. This contemporary romance takes place in Chicago and New York.

I adored DANCING IN THE RAIN. The story was genuine and profound. I love how everyone grew and seems to learn from each other.

My heart went out to Sara; she was a good mother to Chloe and sister to Payton. She is a strong heroine with wonderful values.

Chloe is an amazing girl. I love that she fights for what she believes in. My heart broke for her loss. I was glad Drew came into her life.

Peyton is a wonderful sister and aunt. She is a determined business woman who ends up reevaluating her priorities. She is smart and determined.

Drew is a great guy. He has a difficult time with having to retire early and having gone through a divorce. He understandably goes through an identity crisis. Sara, Chloe, and Payton seem to come into his life at the right time. He grows tremendously throughout this story.

Drew and Payton have amazing chemistry. It is understandable why they are reluctant to get together. They are an amazing couple.

Kelly Jamieson did an astounding job with DANCING IN THE RAIN. It had me laughing and crying. I was invested in the characters. I enjoyed the plot. The story dealt with hard issues and had worthy life lessons. The ending was perfect. I loved this story. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

Kindle Edition, 1st edition, 311 pages
Published April 11th 2017 by Loveswept
ASIN: B01M5I070G
Edition Language: English
URL: http://www.randomhousebooks.com/books/555481/

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Off the Ice (Juniper Falls #1) by Julie Cross review

Off the Ice by Julie Cross
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Julie Cross is victorious with OFF THE ICE, the first book in the Juniper Falls series. Claire O’Connor comes home to help run the family business while her father is recovering. The last thing she needs to do is get involved with her best friend’s younger brother, hockey goalie, Tate Tanley. This contemporary sports romance is suitable for new adult audiences. It takes pace in Juniper Falls, Minnesota.

Claire is a noble heroine. She worked hard to go away to college, but comes home when her father becomes ill to help the family business. She witnessed a dark secret about Tate that she keeps private. I enjoyed her reaction to Tate maturing. I like Tate. He has had a crush on Claire for a long time. They were good friends always hanging out with one another. He does not have a pleasurable relationship with his father. He has secrets and a lot of stress in his life. Tate and Claire make a cute couple with great chemistry.

I enjoyed the lot. Julie Cross does a nice job depicting life in a small town and the different pressures it has, especially for its athletes. I enjoyed the hockey scenes. It was engaging hearing Tate’s perspective on going from a backup to starting goalie. There were many engaging twists and drama. The story held me captivated from start to finish. This is the first book that I have read by Julie Cross. I will continue to follow this series. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

Kindle Edition, 320 pages
Expected publication: February 28th 2017 by Entangled: TEEN
ASIN: B00Z7C1I0M
Edition Language: English
Series: Juniper Falls #1


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Twisted Desire (Titan World) by Sharon Kay Review

Twisted Desire by Sharon Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sharon Kay did an excellent job of combining her supernatural existence from the Watcher's Kiss series to Cristin Harber’s human inhabited Titan World series. The characters worked well together while the paranormal presence is never revealed to the human characters. TWISTED DESIRE takes place in contemporary Chicago.

I love that the story included Rhys MacLeod from book four in the Watches’ Kiss series, AWAKENING KISS. I really enjoyed that book and was glad to read more about his character. I thought it was clever how Sharon Kay brought the Titan World characters into the story. Rhys and Jude are investigating the murder of human that was killed by a Deserati female. It leads them to Dayton Diagnostics. Rhys is an excellent hacker, but he cannot get into the company’s impressive firewalls. He calls in his human friend from Titan Group, Parker Black, to help with the task. Parker and his partner Locke Oliver head to Chicago to help Rhys out.

While on the job, they meet witness, Megan O’Rourke, who helps with the investigation. Megan and Locke hit it off, having great chemistry. The scheme they uncover at Dayton Diagnostics is crazy. It was interesting to see the supernatural versus human side of things unfold as Rhys and Jude try to keep their world a secret. The story is full of non-stop action and numerous twists. I enjoyed the characters. The story was well-written and clever. It had a great ending. It was a wonderful collaboration of two series. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

Kindle Edition
Published January 24th 2017 by Titan World LLC
ASIN: B01NCLHSJI
Edition Language: English
Series: Titan World

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She Wolf by Sheri Lewis Wohl Review

She Wolf by Sheri Lewis Wohl
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


Jäger/Werewolf Lily Avergne, is a hunter of supernatural creatures that prey on the innocent. She is assigned to investigate a string of murders in Colville, Washington. However, local sheriff, Jayne Quarles, is not thrilled to have the assistance of the Jägers. This contemporary PNR is suitable for adult audiences.

SHE WOLF starts out with a Prologue in Danzig, 1588. It informs us how Lily was transformed into a werewolf and helps explain why she became a hunter. Then the story switches to present day, in eastern Washington.

Lily is a compelling character. She is lonely and has lived a long time. She is noble for trying to defend those that are weaker than her. I like Jayne. It is understandable why she feels the way she does throughout the story. She makes a good companion for Lily.

I like Kyle Miller. He has an interesting talent. I wouldn’t mind seeing a spin-off of the novel with Kyle and Ava.

The rogues in the story are noteworthy and complex. They made the story thought-provoking. The plot was carefully thought out. I like how events circled around. It was a good story that had interesting twists. I did at times find myself occasionally skimming the story to move ahead quicker. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

Kindle Edition
Published January 16th 2017 by Bold Strokes Books
ASIN: B01MUBIWW1
Edition Language: English

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Phantom Kiss (Chicagoland Vampires #12.5) by Chloe Neill Review

Phantom Kiss by Chloe Neill
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Chloe Neill’s Phantom Kiss is a spook-tacular addition to the Chicagoland Vampires Series. Merit and Ethan discover a grave robbery and accidentally bring the ghost home with them to Cadogan House. The spirit is not friendly and attacks the vampires. They need to uncover who is robbing the graves, while figuring out how to get rid of their ghost. This contemporary Urban Fantasy takes place in Chicago.

I love that this story starts out at Merit’s and Ethan’s wedding shower. Merit’s dealings with her human family are always interesting. I found the gifts they received amusing. On their way home from the shower, they receive a call from necromancer, Annabelle Shaw, about a grave robbery and stop to investigate. This short story is full of non-stop action and interesting twists. Thankfully, the couple is resourceful and have some powerful friends.

Being a Chicagoan, I love this series. Chloe Neill does an amazing job of including Chicago history and landmarks in her stories; not to mention, listing all the best places to eat, yum Superdawg and Giordano’s. Chloe Neill’s character development and plot are continually exceptional. Chicagoland Vampires continues to be one of my favorite Urban Fantasy Series. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

Kindle Edition, 100 pages
Expected publication: January 19th 2017 (first published January 17th 2017)
ASIN: B01CERDE8G
Edition Language: English
URL: http://www.chloeneill.com/?page_id=7090
Series: Chicagoland Vampires #12.5

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Moonshadow (Moonshadow #1) by Thea Harrison

Moonshadow by Thea Harrison
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Thea Harrison’s MOONSHADOW is a thrilling start to the new series of the same name. LAPD witch consultant Sophie Ross is given the opportunity to travel to England to discover information about her childhood. She becomes involved with Nikolas Sevigny and his band of Daoine Sidhe knights of the Dark Court to try to overcome Isabeau, Queen of the Light Court.

MOONSHADOW has a compelling plot that was exciting from start to finish. It was full of creativity and excitement. I like how Thea Harrison included characters from classic mythology, like Robin. I thought it was interesting how Sophie and Nikolas initially encounter one another. I love the concept behind the house and inheritance.

Sophie is a likeable character. She is strong and likes to help those in need. I like how Sophie’s magic benefits the knights. My heart went out to the Knights, and how long they have been fighting to get back home. They are determined and powerful. It is understandable why Nikolas is cautious about outsiders. I like how Sophie’s and Nikolas’ relationship evolves throughout the story.

Thea Harrison does a great job with both her character development and plot. There are numerous twists that make the story exciting. There are deceit and comradery. The story keeps you on your toes I like how MOONSHADOW ended. I look forward to the next book in the series. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

Kindle Edition, 335 pages
Published December 13th 2016 by Amazon Digital Services LLC
Original Title: Moonshadow
ASIN: B01LZ608DH
Edition Language: English
Series: Moonshadow #1


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Hard Hitter (Brooklyn Bruisers #2) by Sarina Bowen Review

Hard Hitter by Sarina Bowen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sarina Bowen Hard Hitter is a smash. Team captain and enforcer, Patrick O'Doul, does not like to be touched. After suffering a hip injury, he has no choice but to seek help from the team’s massage therapist, Ariana (Ari) Bettini. This contemporary sports romance is suitable for new adult and adult audiences.

When we were introduced to Patrick O'Doul in book one, Rookie Move, I was not a fan of his. However, the more I got to know him; I really began to like him. He had a trying childhood, being raised in a group home in Minnesota. It explains a lot about his personality. Ari is the perfect person to be assigned as Patrick’s message therapist. With Ari’s help, he grows a lot throughout this story. He is a good guy who owns up to his mistakes. I like that he begins to open-up to his team mates because of his relationship with Ari.

I really like Ari. She had a difficult breakup with her boyfriend of eight years, Vince. He got himself into some trouble, which unfortunately spills over into her life. Patrick finds himself trying to protect Ari from her Ex, whom he happens to know. It causes some fascinating controversy in the story.

I really enjoyed the plot. There were a lot of interesting details and twists. HARD HITTER is fast paced a and kept me focused from start to finish. I like how the chapters stared with the team’s standings. I also like that “No Sleep Till Brooklyn” by the Beastie Boys is the Bruisers’ theme song. Sarina Bowen does an amazing job with her second book in the Brooklyn Bruisers series. I cannot wait to read Mike Beacon’s and Lauren Williams’ story next in book three, PIPE DREAMS. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

336 pages
Published January 3rd 2017
Series: Brooklyn Bruisers #2
Characters: Patrick O'Doul, Ari Bettini


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Back Check (Aces Hockey #4) by Kelly Jamieson Review

Back Check by Kelly Jamieson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kelly Jamieson is on a winning streak with BACK CHECK, the fourth book in the Aces Hockey series. Tanner Bennet feels like he is cursed when it comes to wedding. When his team captain asks him to stand up in his wedding, he could hardly say no. He never expected to be reunited with the woman who broke his heart, the wedding planner, Katelyn Medford. This contemporary sports romance takes place in Chicago.

I loved this story. First of all, I appreciated that it took place during Marc Dupuis’ and Lovey Armstrong‘s (from book one, MAJOR MISCONDUCT) wedding planning. I love the previous characters in the series, and that was a great way to include them into the story. It was also, a clever way for Tanner and Katelyn to be reunited.

I enjoyed Tanner’s character. Being the child of parents who have gone through several divorces he understandably never felt like he had a normal family. His childhood leaves him with some security issues. He doesn’t really feel wanted. Katelyn is the only person he ever confided in. While all of this is going on, Tanner has the added stress of contract negotiations and trade rumors. I love that he is a big brother and how he interacts with Jovon. I love the video he makes for Katelyn, especially since he did it in front of his teammates.

Katelyn is a likeable character. She has lived in Chicago the past few years and recently started her own event planning business. Being professional is very important to her. I like that she hits it off so well with Lovey and Amber. She fits in great with their friends. She is a noble person with good values.

Tanner and Katelyn dated while in college at Michigan State; Katelyn broke Tanner’s heart when she didn’t follow him when he played with the New York Islanders. We discover her very good reason for sacrificing their relationship. I love that these two got a second chance. They are an astounding couple with fantastic chemistry.

Once again, Kelly Jamieson created an amazing story that was heartfelt and realistic. The characters had obstacles to overcome and issues to face. Being a Chicagoan, I love that it takes place here. Kelly Jamieson does a great job depicting the city. I love this series and highly recommend it to anyone that enjoys a good sports romance. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

Kindle Edition, 1st edition, 232 pages
Published January 10th 2017 by Loveswept
ASIN: B01ILZT6UK
Edition Language: English
Series: Aces Hockey #4

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A Wolf Unleashed (SWAT: Special Wolf Alpha Team #5) by Paige Tyler Review

A Wolf Unleashed by Paige Tyler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Paige Tyler’s A Wolf Unleashed has become my favorite book in the SWAT: Special Wolf Alpha Team series. Wolf shifter Alex Trevino meets veterinarian Lacey Barton when he takes the teams dog, Tuffie, in for appointment. He is instantly attracted to Lacey but finds that it is a challenge to get her to go out with him. Then Lacey younger sister, Kelsey, goes missing, and she turns to Alex for help. This contemporary PNR takes place in Dallas. It is suitable for adult audiences.

I love animals, so I instantly fell in love with both animal loving characters. Alex is a great guy. Not only is he SWAT, but he is a licensed paramedic. He is selfless and brave. He has had trouble controlling his wolf and could only partially shift. I like that his wolf evolves in this story. He is creative and comes up with the perfect dates. I love how canines respond to him, especially Ralph. Lacey is an admirable heroine. She is a feisty and courageous. I appreciate that she helps the Dallas police department’s Animal Cruelty Squad with injured and abused animals. She is fierce when it comes to protecting animals and the ones she loves. Lacey doesn’t make it easy on Alex. However, the two are the perfect couple.

I enjoyed the plot. There were a lot of different components, especially with the criminal cases. I valued how everything fit together. I think it is great that the SWAT team, and their significant others are like family. I like how Paige Tyler always includes a prologue with the accident that causes the main character to turn into a werewolf. I love Paige Tyler’s SWAT series; A Wolf Unleashed was a perfect addition. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

Kindle Edition, 352 pages
Expected publication: December 6th 2016 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
ASIN: B01H7S6SU8
Edition Language: English
Series: SWAT: Special Wolf Alpha Team #5

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The Sight (Devil's Isle #2) by Chloe Neill Review

The Sight by Chloe Neill
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars


Chloe Neill’s THE SIGHT is another great adventure in the Devil's Isle series. Sensitive Claire Connolly and Bounty hunter Liam Quinn work with their friends to bring down a dangerous cult that is against all magic. This urban fantasy takes place in New Orleans.

As always, Chloe Neill does an amazing job with her character development. Clare continues to grow and control her magic. I could understand why Clare was upset with Tadji’s help at her store. I like that she recognized why she felt that way and discussed it with Tadji. I like that Clare takes the initiative to see how she can help the inhabitants of Devil’s Isle.

The plot was fascinating and full of action. Clare discovers some interesting this about her father. However, she is still left with a lot of questions. Ezekiel and the Reveillon cause a lot of anguish and controversy in this story. There were many twists that kept me engaged throughout the novel.

I enjoyed how Liam’s and Clare’s relationship has evolved. He can be very compassionate. I was concerned about what happened at the end of the story and look forward to finding out what comes to pass next in the book. Chloe Neill’s Devil's Isle series is an imaginative and thrilling series that I look forward to continuing reading. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

Kindle Edition, 352 pages
Published August 16th 2016 by NAL
ASIN: B018FM3E16
Edition Language: English
Series: Devil's Isle #2


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