Release Day Review: Sidebarred by Emma Chase

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Sidebarred by Emma Chase
Series: The Legal Briefs #3.5 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: April 24th 2016
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review

Join Jake & Chelsea, Stanton & Sofia, Brent & Kennedy as they navigate the hilarious and heartwarming hurdles of love, life and the law in this final addition to the Legal Briefs Series.

There was a time when Jake Becker had it all together. He was controlled, driven, ruthless—in and out of the courtroom.

Then, six irresistible orphans and their heartbreakingly beautiful aunt crashed into his perfectly ordered life. They changed everything. They changed him. Now he’s a husband, an upstanding member of society, a father figure—a family man.

And he’s pretty damn good at it.

Sure, he has to referee sibling smackdowns, re-learn algebra, ensure his clients stay of jail, and keep his wife happy—but it finally feels like he’s got it together again….

So, of course something has to screw it all up. It’s huge. Life-changing. Kind of terrifying.

And it will be the most amazing, perfect thing he’ll ever do.

Sustained is without doubt my FAVORITE in the Legal Briefs series, so when I heard that we would be getting a little more of Jake, Chelsea, and the McQuaid children, I jumped for joy. Sidebarred is an incredible follow-up, not just to Sustained, but to the entire series. Even though this is very much about Jake, Chelsea, and the kids, we also get a lot of Stanton and Sofia, Brent and Kennedy. If you love this series, you definitely need to get your hands on this novella!

We’ve been married for about two years and there hasn’t been a single morning when I didn’t wake with a smile tugging at my lips. Not one fucking time. Because she’s beside me—half on top of my—and the six little shits we love more than anything are tucked safely away upstairs. They’re all really good sleepers. That’s key.

Jake and Chelsea are married and settled down. It’s not easy raising six children, but they do it, and they do it well, mostly because everything is an organized chaos. But when Chelsea tells Jake that her period is late (in the most hilarious conversation ever), the two of them are excited – but terrified too. Can they handle one more addition to their family?

She’s my love, my home, the solace to my soul, the keeper of my heart, the center of my entire fucking world. The only reason I really believe in my own goodness is because I see it reflected in her eyes.

If you know Emma Chase (and why wouldn’t you), then you know that she rocks at male POV and comedy. She brings out her best once again in Sidebarred – not only is Jake a funny, sarcastic SOB, all of the McQuaid children are a riot. There’s never a dull moment in their home, and I honestly couldn’t stop smiling while reading this. Seeing this little glimpse at what happens after the happily-ever-after was delightful. This novella is sugary-sweet and laugh-out-loud funny – and it’s got the most perfect epilogue ever! Again, if you’ve read Sustained (or the whole series), I highly encourage you to read this follow-up – you won’t regret it!

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

Reading Order: The Legal Briefs series

#1 ~ Overruled: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Sustained: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Appealed: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3.5 ~ Sidebarred: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

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19Apr2016

Release Day Review: Worth It All by Claudia Connor

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Worth It All by Claudia Connor
Series: The McKinney Brothers #3 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: April 19th 2016
Links: Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

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

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

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

I love The McKinney Brothers!! Well, the two books I’ve read of the three in the series. The first, Worth the Fall, is one of my favorite audiobooks ever, so when I had the chance to read the third, I jumped right in. I’m such a sucker for romances where the hero who falls for a single mom and her child(ren) – my heart just melts reading about a sexy alpha turning into mush for a child. Gah! So Worth It All was pretty much the perfect contemporary romance for me – it’s sweet, heart-melting, drama-free, and did I mention sweet?

What would it be like? To love a man and have him love you back. To be with one person forever and make a real family like the ones she’d seen here. She hadn’t thought it was real. Hadn’t believed in it at all.

Paige Roberts has been working her butt off to provide for her 5-year-old daughter, Casey, everything that she never had as a child – safety, security, stability, love. It’s not easy working two jobs while also caring for a daughter who doesn’t want to wear her leg prosthesis anymore. But when a gorgeous, kind-hearted man enters her life who has the power to help not only Casey, but also Paige, will Paige be willing to risk her heart for love?

JT McKinney’s life was turned upside down after a car accident causes him to lose his leg, his football scholarship, and something even more devastating that still haunts him to this day. He’s got scars inside and out, but he’s been able to pick himself up and become a biomedical engineer who uses his experiences as an amputee to help develop top-of-the-line prosthetic equipment. Jake is a GOOD guy – and when he meets Paige, he wants to do everything he can to make life easier for her. He’s utterly sweet and sexy with Paige, always there for her and making her feel like the amazing woman and mother that she is. And Jake with her daughter Casey? SWOOON!!! I died every time these two were together. Understandably, Paige is wary of starting anything with a man, but Jake is determined to make her see that the three of them would make the perfect family.

He loved Casey and Paige more than himself. He wanted to give them everything, wanted to do what was best for them. And he always would.

Worth It All is a heartfelt, gentle love story that will leave you with a smile on your face. The pages flew by quickly and easily – I really didn’t want to put it down. If you love a hero who is perfect with children and want to read a romance that won’t disappoint, I highly recommend this book – and series!

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

Reading Order: The McKinney Brothers series

#1 ~ Worth the Fall: Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Worth the Risk: Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Worth It All: Ebook • Audible • Goodreads

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18Apr2016

Early Review: Frozen by L.A. Casey

Posted in 3 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Frozen by L.A. Casey
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: April 19th 2016
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

There’s one must-have toy this Christmas, and Neala Clarke has told her niece Charli she’ll get it for her. Never mind that she’s got less than a week and it looks like everywhere is sold out. She’s promised Charli a Fire Princess doll—and Neala is a woman of her word.

Darcy Hart is a people-pleaser. So when his adorable six-year-old nephew, Dustin, asks for a particular doll at the last minute, he says yes. Luckily for Darcy, there’s one left in stock at the local toy store. Unluckily for Darcy, he’s not the only person who wants it—and his rival is the one woman who’s immune to his charms.

Neala and Darcy have loved to hate each other since they were kids, and they’re both willing to do whatever it takes to get that doll. This can’t possibly end well for both of them…can it?

Frozen is a Christmas-themed standalone from L.A. Casey, and it’s a quick, humorous read for those who want to enjoy something light-hearted and fun. I didn’t particularly love it, but I can’t say it wasn’t entertaining. The antics Neala and Darcy get up to are hilarious – you definitely won’t be able to get through this book without cracking up a bit!

Neala and Darcy used to be childhood friends… until they weren’t. Now, fifteen years after they declared themselves enemies, these two are just as toxic and have never ceased their arguments. They have some wicked banter and lots of bickering, so much that sometimes their families, who are friends, become involved. This Christmas, Neala and Darcy are fighting over a toy that they want to give to their niece and nephew (respectively) – except there’s only one toy left in the store.

What ensues is a hilarious, over-the-top fight, basically a tug-of-war for the toy. It’s ridiculous and funny and seriously entertaining to read. Then, when Neala and Darcy are snowed in, they have to confront the feelings that that been brewing since they first met and are now finally being let out.

I didn’t care for Darcy much – he’s a clichéd player who messes up with Neala – but I adored Neala. I loved how she never gives in to Darcy and can hold her own against him. She’s strong and independent, and just a fantastic heroine. But put her and Darcy in the same room together, and it gets explosive between them, both verbally and physically.

Frozen is funny and over-the-top – it’s a great read to pass the time. This would be the perfect holiday read, so if you have the patience to wait a few more months to read this book, go for it!

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18Apr2016

Early Review: Over the Line by Lisa Desrochers

Posted in 3.5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Over the Line by Lisa Desrochers
Series: On the Run #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: April 19th 2016
Links: Ebook • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

The USA Today bestselling author of Outside the Lines once again explores love on the edge in an explosive new romance about obsession, betrayal, and a killer attraction.

Lee Delgado never planned on falling in love with the irresistible Oliver Savoca, son of a Chicago crime lord. Considering that their families are rivals, she knew it could never work. And now that both their fathers have been nabbed on racketeering charges, any real chance at a future with the man she loves has been shot to hell. But a greater blow is yet to come.

Not only does Lee learn that a contract is out on her life, she has reason to believe that Oliver is behind the devastating betrayal. Now she’s working closely—very closely—with Federal Agent Sean Callahan to help bring her man down. But however she’s come to feel about Callahan, Lee is still deeply, hopelessly, unabashedly in love with Oliver.

Where that fearless love takes Lee next is beyond her control—but the risk is worth every beat of her heart.

I looove forbidden romances, and I’m a sucker for them especially when the mafia is involved. So Over the Line should’ve been the perfect read for me – and while I enjoyed it, even more than the first On the Run book, it still wasn’t quite what I’d hoped for. Nonetheless, if you love books with action, suspense, chemistry, and the mafia, I would definitely recommend this one. And if you liked Outside the Lines, this sequel will be perfect for you!

Over the Line picks up right where Outside the Lines left off, only this time it’s Lee’s story. If you haven’t read the first On the Run book, I highly recommend doing so before starting this one. Lee may be the second oldest Delgado sibling, but she’s been the caretaker of her family ever since their mother died years ago. Now, with their father/mafia leader in jail and the Delgado children living in Florida as part of the witness protection program, they’re just trying to lay low and move on with their lives. But Lee’s past catches up with her in the form of an ex and her star-crossed love – Oliver Savoca, the son of the man who killed her mother.

“I love you, Lee. I have for a long time. I knew it before you left, but . . . I’ve never been in love before. I didn’t get how fragile it was. I should have told you.” He rolls his head at the room. “All of this . . . everything I’ve done since you left was done with the single-minded goal of finding you.”

Oliver and Lee met in grad school, where they were partners for a class. They both had their own agendas against each other, but late nights and some hot chemistry led to something more, something they didn’t expect but treasured all the same. That was, until Lee betrayed Oliver – but now he’s back and here to collect. But try as they might to remain enemies and on opposite sides of a brewing war, the feelings they had when they fell for each other the first time come rushing back. Now, it’s a constant wonder of, Do they still love each other, or don’t they? Do they trust each other, or don’t they?

“You are the only real thing I have left.” His green eyes darken and his gaze cuts to the heart of me. “I’ve given up all the rest so I could have you. So don’t tell me this isn’t real, Lee. Nothing else is. Only this.”

If you have problems with OW/OM drama, this probably won’t be the best book for you, but I honestly had no problems with it, even though I’m not a fan of that sort of thing. This might have been because I wasn’t completely invested in the romance like I hoped I would be. I really wish we could’ve gotten more of Lee and Oliver when they first met and fell in love – it would’ve made their romance in the present more believable, since they’re mainly operating on lust when they meet again. But I do have to say that the chemistry between these two is ON FIRE. Over the Line was much, much hotter than the first book, which was a pleasant surprise. And Oliver is one seriously sexy alpha-male – I loved how sweet and protective he could be because of Lee!

Overall, Lee and Oliver’s story is a solid second installment to the On the Run series. I might not have loved it, but I enjoyed reading it all the same. It was entertaining, suspenseful, and crazy hot – and the writing is just as incredible as it was in the first book. I’m really hoping for Grant’s story next!

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

Reading Order: On the Run series

#1 ~ Outside the Lines: My Review • Ebook • Goodreads
#2 ~ Over the Line: Ebook • Goodreads

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18Apr2016

Release Day Review: Fate and Forever by Sophie Jackson

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Fate and Forever by Sophie Jackson
Series: A Pound of Flesh #2.5 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: April 18th 2016
Links: Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Sophie Jackson’s award-winning Pound of Flesh novels reignite “that feeling of sneaking risqué books under the bedcovers with a flashlight” (RT Book Reviews)! Join her millions of online fans with this irresistible enovella that takes the intimate relationship between a gutsy prison tutor and her sexy bad-boy student to the ultimate level.

When tutor Kat Lane met her brooding, dangerously tempting student Wesley Carter behind bars, she never dreamed of the day she would be excitedly planning for their wedding. It won’t be long before they’re man and wife, and neither Kat nor Carter can wait. But as they settle into the joyful haze of nearly-newlywed bliss, all their friends seem to be one step ahead. Everywhere they turn, couples are becoming parents, and the longing in Kat’s eyes worries Carter. What if she gets baby fever…and he’s not so sure? Carter’s childhood was rough, and his father was no example for how to be an upstanding man—or a good parent. Can Carter create a happy, safe, supportive home for his future children with Kat—the life he never had growing up? He had better figure it out soon…because Kat just told him she needs to take a pregnancy test.

I adored Kat and Carter from A Pound of Flesh, so getting a little more of their story was fantastic. Fate and Forever is super short and sweet – if you loved A Pound of Flesh, you’re sure to love this glimpse into Kat and Carter’s future. We get to see their marriage and honeymoon… overall, this novella is just a great way to catch up not only with these two characters, but the others in the series as well.

Carter and Kat are in newlywed bliss… or are they? They’re having the time of their lives on their honeymoon, but one late period for Kat causes all sorts of confusion and misunderstanding. I love the way Sophie Jackson handled this aspect of the story. The little angst and tension between this newly married couple isn’t ideal, but it’s real and honest and emotional. I couldn’t put this novella down!

Sophie Jackson’s writing is just as wonderful as ever, as was reading again about Carter and Kat, Max and Grace, and even Riley, who will star in the third A Pound of Flesh novel. Fate and Forever is definitely a tease for Riley’s book, and it’s made me even more excited for A Measure of Love!

Reading Order: A Pound of Flesh series

#1 ~ A Pound of Flesh: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#1.5 ~ Love and Always: My Review • Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ An Ounce of Hope: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2.5 ~ Fate and Forever: Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ A Measure of Love: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads (June 21, 2016)

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