Tag Archives: book review

Release Day Review: Fallen Heir by Erin Watt

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Fallen Heir by Erin Watt
Series: The Royals #4 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: August 28th 2017
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review

These Royals will ruin you.

Easton Royal has it all: looks, money, intelligence. His goal in life is to have as much fun as possible. He never thinks about the consequences because he doesn’t have to.

Until Hartley Wright appears, shaking up his easy life. She’s the one girl who’s said no, despite being attracted to him. Easton can’t figure her out and that makes her all the more irresistible.

Hartley doesn’t want him. She says he needs to grow up.

She might be right.

Rivals. Rules. Regrets. For the first time in Easton’s life, wearing a Royal crown isn’t enough. He’s about to learn that the higher you start, the harder you fall.

We finally have Easton’s story!! Well, at least the first part of it. 😉

Fallen Heir has been a huge anticipated release ever since Easton Royal and his charming ways showed up in the Royals series. I adored his cocky, naughty self and couldn’t wait to see what would be in store for him, and what kind of girl would be able to knock him off his feet. I can say that Erin Watt didn’t disappoint with the heroine – I absolutely LOVED Hartley and might possibly love her more than Easton. If you’re a fan of the series, then you absolutely don’t want to miss this next installment in the dramatic, angsty Royals series!

I know what it’s like to be alone. I know what it’s like to want and not have. I don’t want Hartley to feel that way. Not anymore. Not while I’m around.

There’s more than meets the eye with Easton. From previous books, we knew him as a joker and a player, who’s had vices in drugs, alcohol, and women. He’s given up the drugs, but not much else has changed. His two older brothers are away at college and his two younger brothers, who are twins, are off doing their thing with their girlfriend (yes, they have one girlfriend together). He has Reed’s girlfriend Ella with him, but he couldn’t feel more alone during his senior year of high school. That is, until he bumps into a new student named Hartley Wright, and things start to look up for him.

Hartley couldn’t give two shits about Easton, who he is, or how much money he has. That is honestly my favorite part about her and why I love her so fiercely. She’s not like any other person who adores Easton and fawns all over him. She literally wants him to leave her alone – though of course he won’t. Hartley has secrets that are only barely touched upon in this book, and Easton is incredibly intrigued – and attracted to – this mystery girl. But since he won’t leave her, they come to a compromise and become friends, with a few bumps along the way.

I don’t know why I latched onto the idea of being friends, but it sits right with my gut. I want Hartley in my life and if being friends is the way that happens, then friends is what we’ll have.
It’s different, but maybe that’s not a bad thing.

Hartley and Easton were absolutely amazing in Fallen Heir. They are opposites, yet they understand each other in a way no one else can. Hartley makes Easton want to do better and be better – he broke my heart in the first half of the story, but his gradual transformation is heartwarming to experience. I will say that there isn’t much of a romance in Fallen Heir, though. If there is, it’s reaaally slow. So I’m hoping things will pick up in the sequel!

Fallen Heir was a great start to Easton and Hartley’s story. It’s told entirely in Easton’s POV, which I adored. We get to see little glimpses of Ella and Reed, which was great. One thing I will say is that I was a little disappointed with the twins’ girlfriend’s characterization and how different it was from previous books. Mainly because I wouldn’t have minded some love triangle story for them, but I guess we’ll have to wait and see how that goes. You can read Fallen Heir without having read the first three books, which are Ella and Reed’s story, but I’d highly recommend reading the series in order to understand all the characters and what’s happened so far better. That being said, if you love anything with angsty characters and lots of drama, read this book (and series)!

4 hearts
lacey

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

Reading Order: The Royals series

  

#1 ~ Paper Princess: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Broken Prince: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Twisted Palace: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Fallen Heir: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#5 ~ Cracked Kingdom: Goodreads (Jan. 2018)

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Release Day Review: Irresistible You by Kate Meader

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Irresistible You by Kate Meader
Series: Chicago Rebels #1 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: August 14th 2017
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Hot in Chicago series author Kate Meader returns with her all new, scorching Chicago Rebels hockey series, featuring her signature “steamy sex scenes, colorful characters, and riveting dialogue” (Romantic Times). Three estranged sisters inherit their late father’s failing hockey franchise and are forced to confront a man’s world, their family’s demons, and the battle-hardened ice warriors skating into their hearts.

Harper Chase has just become the most powerful woman in the NHL after the death of her father Clifford Chase, maverick owner of the Chicago Rebels. But the team is a hot mess—underfunded, overweight, and close to tapping out of the league. Hell-bent on turning the luckless franchise around, Harper won’t let anything stand in her way. Not her gender, not her sisters, and especially not a veteran player with an attitude problem and a smoldering gaze designed to melt her ice-compacted defenses.

Veteran center Remy “Jinx” DuPre is on the downside of a career that’s seen him win big sponsorships, fans’ hearts, and more than a few notches on his stick. Only one goal has eluded him: the Stanley Cup. Sure, he’s been labeled as the unluckiest guy in the league, but with his recent streak of good play, he knows this is his year. So why the hell is he being shunted off to a failing hockey franchise run by a ball-buster in heels? And is she seriously expecting him to lead her band of misfit losers to a coveted spot in the playoffs?

He’d have a better chance of leading Harper on a merry skate to his bed…

I can always count on Kate Meader to deliver fun and sexy contemporary romances, and she has yet to disappoint me. This time, she’s moved from hot firefighters to gorgeous hockey players in the Chicago Rebels series. You have no idea how excited I was when I heard she’d be writing hockey romances – it’s been a while since I’ve read a good sports romance, so Irresistible You came at the perfect time! I ended up loving this book so much. A Cajun hockey player who whispers sweet nothings in French? A female owner of a hockey team? Can you see how I couldn’t help but love this fabulous read?

The Chicago Rebels series centers around three estranged sisters who’ve come together after the death of their father and the inheritance of his hockey team. The series kicks off with the oldest sister who has been preparing to lead the Rebels practically her whole life. But even though Harper Chase is prepared to take charge and show this male-dominated industry who’s boss, she’s not prepared for the newest member of the Chicago Rebels to set her insides on fire and make her want more in life in addition to the team.

Remy DuPre is known as the jinxed hockey player who is always so close to winning the cup, but has yet to succeed. This year is his final year, so to say he’s aggravated that he’s been traded into a sinking ship that is the Chicago Rebels team would be an understatement. To ensure he’s got a chance at the Stanley Cup, he make a deal with his irresistible new team owner – he’ll shape up the Rebels if he’s traded onto a better team that has a real chance at the cup.

Harper and Remy have an undeniable chemistry that is so passionate and sexy. I loved how these two were around each other. A little angry, a lot lusty, and very curious to see how their tension translates in bed. Harper is resistant to starting anything with her hockey player because of the backlash she’d face as a female owner, but Remy is irresistible in his determination to prove to her that what they have is worth fighting for. Will he succeed in charming his way into his team’s beautiful, ambitious owner?

Irresistible You is seriously a fantastic hockey romance. The characters are charming and lovable (Remy is to die for), the romance is as sexy as it is sweet, and did I mention that it’s hockey!? All of this combined made this book an amazing start to a series I have no doubt I’ll come to love even more with each book. Right now I can’t wait to read the next one!


lacey

Reading Order: Chicago Rebels series

  

#0.5 ~ In Skates Trouble: Ebook • Goodreads
#1 ~ Irresistible You: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ So Over You: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads (Dec. 4, 2017)

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Release Day Review: Devil’s Cut by J.R. Ward

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Devil’s Cut by J.R. Ward
Series: The Bourbon Kings #3 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: August 1st 2017
Links: Ebook • Hardcover • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

In #1 New York Times bestselling author J. R. Ward’s thrilling finale to her Bourbon Kings series, the Bradford family dynasty teeters on the edge of collapse after the murder of their patriarch—and a shocking arrest.

At first, the death of William Baldwine, the head of the Bradford family, was ruled a suicide. But then his eldest son and sworn enemy, Edward, came forward and confessed to what was, in fact, a murder. Now in police custody, Edward mourns not the disintegration of his family or his loss of freedom . . . but the woman he left behind. His love, Sutton Smythe, is the only person he has ever truly cared about, but as she is the CEO of the Bradford Bourbon Company’s biggest competitor, any relationship between them is impossible. And then there’s the reality of the jail time that Edward is facing.

Lane Baldwine was supposed to remain in his role of playboy, forever in his big brother Edward’s shadow. Instead he has become the new head of the family and the company. Convinced that Edward is covering for someone else, Lane and his true love, Lizzie King, go on the trail of a killer—only to discover a secret that is as devastating as it is game-changing.

As Lane rushes to discover the truth, and Sutton finds herself irresistibly drawn to Edward in spite of his circumstances, the lives of everyone at Easterly will never be the same again. For some, this is good; for others, it could be a tragedy beyond imagining. Only one thing is for certain: Love survives all things. Even murder.

Devil’s Cut is without doubt my favorite of the Bourbon Kings series. I’ve struggled with the previous two books, mainly because of how long and drawn out the story is, but everything finally comes together in this masterpiece of an ending. I loved every part of this conclusion – there was never a dull moment, and I actually liked the characters by the end. For those of you who have been eagerly waiting to see just how the Baldwine children and their glorious fortune, estate, and company end up, along with who gets together with who (like I did), then you absolutely must read this epic finale!

Picking up right where The Angels’ Share left off, the death of William Baldwine, former CEO of Bradford Bourbon Company and father of Edward (the eldest), Max (the black sheep), Lane (the reformed playboy), and Gin (the only daughter), has been changed from being one of suicide to one of murder. Edward Baldwine confesses to killing his father, the man who hated his existence from the moment he was born and had his son kidnapped, tortured, and almost killed. Edward certainly had motive to kill William, right? But with secrets slowly being revealed and revelations being uncovered, it remains uncertain if Edward was the killer. And if he’s not, who is he protecting?

I don’t want to mention much about Edward and his love, Sutton, because spoilers, but I do want to say how much I adore their Romeo-and-Juliet-esque love story. As the heads of rival bourbon-making companies, theirs was a star-crossed love that could have been… but Edward returned from his almost-death broken. Now, with him in jail, is it possible for these two star-crossed lovers to have their HEA?

Lane has stepped up in his role of being the head of the Bradford household, trying to keep his family together and regain back their assets that his father embezzled away. With his momma, Miss Aurora, in the hospital dying of cancer, one brother in jail, an almost ex-wife pregnant with his dead father’s child, and virtually no money to support the estate, Lane is at the end of his rope. The one constant in his life is Lizzie, Easterly’s horticulturalist, the love of his life, who is sick of all the drama but there to support him no matter what. I was so thankful for Lane and Lizzie – they’ve been a constant for each other and for the series. I could always count on them to NOT create any drama between themselves, unlike all the other couples in the series. I love Lane and Lizzie so much!

Gin has married the abusive Richard Pford – but she’s no longer the dramatic, conniving, manipulate woman she was in the beginning of the series. With the loss of the Bradford fortune, she’s at a loss – is she anything without her money? She too, steps up to the plate by cutting out the drama with Samuel T., the love of her life. She will always love him, but her daughter, their daughter, comes first for her now. She endures Richard’s abuse so that she can provide Amelia with a better childhood than she had up until that point. I ended up completely loving Gin and the transformation she experiences throughout the series. I was rooting for her with not only Samuel T., but also her daughter. Their relationship is definitely the most addictive for me and was one of the main reasons why I kept reading these books.

With Edward in jail and the black sheep of the family back in town, there seems like no end to the mess that is the Baldwine childrens’ lives. I kept thinking, will any of them ever get a happy ending? But if there’s one thing I learned, it’s that I should always trust J.R. Ward because she’ll always do right by the end. The conclusion to the series was exactly what I was hoping for – we get a solid finish for every one of the characters and couples (well, most couples). I do admit I had to skim some parts that seemed to drag, but otherwise, I enjoyed this book immensely. I almost wish we could see more into the Balwine’s lives, but I wouldn’t want to ruin the perfect ending!


lacey

Reading Order: The Bourbon Kings series

  

#1 ~ The Bourbon Kings: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ The Angels’ Share: Ebook • Hardcover • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Devil’s Cut: Ebook • Hardcover • Audible • Goodreads

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Blog Tour + Review & Giveaway: Kiss My Boots by Harper Sloan

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Kiss My Boots by Harper Sloan
Series: Coming Home #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: July 18th 2017
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In this second of the sultry, Western-set Coming Home series from New York Times bestselling author Harper Sloan, Quinn Davis might finally have a shot at her own happily-ever-after—but will she let love in, or will she tell it to go ahead and kiss her boots?

Quinn Davis prefers to live her life quietly. She’s the stereotypical tomboy with two overprotective big brothers who have always been there to protect her, especially from devilishly handsome cowboys with silver tongues. That is, until Tate Montgomery comes riding into town. Their first meeting, however, is far from something out of a fairy tale and only further convinces Quinn that men aren’t worth her time.

The only place Tate Montgomery ever truly felt at home growing up was during the long, sweltering summer months he spent at his Gram and Paw’s farm in Pine Oak, Texas. Now, Tate has returned to his childhood sanctuary seeking a fresh start—but if he’s being entirely honest, he’s not just back for the wranglers and Stetsons. During those summers, Quinn was a friend-turned-young-love who Tate lost when life threw him a curveball and he cut all ties to his past; but all it takes is one glance at the raven-haired beauty he did his best to forget for him to realize just how much he’s been missing….

Buy Links:
Amazon • Barnes & Noble • iTunes • Kobo

Kiss My Boots is my very first Harper Sloan read, and I have to say that even though it wasn’t what I was expecting, I enjoyed it overall! It’s been a while since I’ve read a cowboy/Western-set romance, but add in the fact that this is also a second chance romance, well, I couldn’t NOT read it. I wasn’t sure how this second chance romance would play out but Harper Sloan surprised me in the best way. The characters are fun if a little over-the-top Southern and the romance is seriously swoon-worthy. I’d say if you love second chance romances with little drama, Kiss My Boots would be for you!

Nine years ago, best friends Quinn Davis and Tate Montgomery moved their friendship to the next level and gave each other their love, hearts, and bodies. With Tate about to leave for another state to go to university and eventually medical school and Quinn staying to take over her family’s auto shop, they swore to each other they wouldn’t let anything tear them apart, especially not distance. But when Tate seemingly abandons Quinn after he leaves, leaving her calls and emails unanswered, what can she do but move on from the only boy she ever loved who broke her heart?

Though Tate was forced to disappear from Quinn’s life, there was never a moment he forgot about the one girl who owned his heart and soul. Now, almost a decade later, he’s finally free to pursue the one girl, now woman, meant for him. He is determined and willing to do anything to prove to Quinn that he will never leave her or break her heart again – but can he fix the heart he shattered all those years ago?

I’d grovel until my knees have no skin left on them. If I get back and find another man in my place, I’ll fight for her regardless. If she forgot how to love me, I’ll remind her. Whatever it takes.
No more regrets.

Y’all, I was PREPARED for all the groveling I was expecting to read in this second chance romance. Unfortunately… though determined to grovel, Tate doesn’t actually have that much groveling to do. His reason for leaving Quinn is legitimate, and despite wanting to see more groveling, I was fine with the little there was. Quinn herself puts up a tough front but melts like chocolate when she’s around Tate. She takes a leap of faith this second time around hoping that this time Tate will catch her before she falls.

“You finally know the man I am now?” I ask…
“I’d know him anywhere,” she breathes.
“You givin’ him your forever?”
“God, yes.”
“Never, Quinn. I’ll never spend another day without you in it. You hear me? …I’ll spend every day makin’ up for the time we lost. That pain will never touch you again.”

The romance is so, so sweet between these two characters. There’s not much groveling, but I could still FEEL how much Tate still loves Quinn and worships the ground she walks on. He’s sexy and oh so determined to prove his love for her once again. Quinn is a bit dramatic yet a total sweetheart. She’s nervous about giving her heart over to Tate again but brave enough to do so. She still makes Tate work for it this second time around, but there’s no doubting that he’s the only man to ever own her heart.

I’d always thought home was a place, but he’s right: our home is right here, in each other’s arms.

I loved the fact that neither Tate nor Quinn were celibate during their separation. I HATE when in this trope only the heroine remains celibate while the hero sleeps with whoever he wants. It gets on my nerves so much, so I appreciated what Harper Sloan did, having them on fairly even ground when they see each other again. What did aggravate me sometimes was the overwhelming amount of dropped g’s in the dialogue. I get it, it’s set in the South, but I really didn’t need it shoved in my face, LOL.

Other than that, Kiss My Boots was an entertaining second chance romance I had a lot of fun reading. It was a book brimming with love, passion, and romance. I couldn’t get enough of Tate and Quinn’s devotion for each other! Now, I will definitely be going back to read the first Coming Home book, and possibly other Harper Sloan novels!


lacey

Reading Order: Coming Home series

  

#1 ~ Lost Rider: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Kiss My Boots: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Cowboy Up: Paperback • Goodreads (Dec. 19, 2017)

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Harper Sloan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Corps Security and Hope Town series. She started writing as a way to unwind when the house went to sleep at night. Harper lives in Georgia with her family.

Website • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads

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One Paperback Copy of Lost Rider by Harper Sloan
US only

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Kiss My Boots Blog Tour Schedule

July 18
The Librarian Talks
Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Collector of Book Boyfriends
Dirty Girl Romance
Four Chicks Flipping Pages
Always Reviewing
Reviews by Crystal
Bookbitch
Abigail Books Addiction
A Midlife Wife

July 19
Margie’s Must Reads
Lovely Reads
Romancing Rakes for the Love of Romance
Swoonworthy
Positively Book Crazy
Book Lovers for Life
Romance Junkies
Dirty & Thirty
KT Book Reviews
FMR BookGrind

July 20
Passionate Encounters
Reading Frenzy
Book Bitches
Reads By Rose
Nose Stuck in a Book
The Reading Cafe
Dew on the Kudzu
An Asian Chick and Her Cat Walk into a Book Blog
Good Family Reads

July 21
Once Upon a Twilight
Booktalk with Eileen
SOS Aloha
Mrs. Leif’s Two Fangs About It
Tigris Eden
Literati Literature Lovers
Celticlady’s Reviews
Little BlackBook Reviews

July 22
From the TBR Pile

July 24
The Lovely Books
Simply Angela
Toot’s Book Reviews
Crossroad Reviews

July 25
Two Book Pushers
Ever After Book Blog
Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Jathan & Heather
Coffee, Books & My Kindle

July 26
Babbling About Books, and More
Everyday Gyaan

July 28
The Reading Addict
Reading Between the Wines

July 29
Lori’s Reading Corner

July 31
JoJo the Bookaholic

August 1
Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers
Sexy Book Reviews

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Release Day Review: Wrecked by J.B. Salsbury

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Wrecked by J.B. Salsbury
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: July 18th 2017
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

When you can’t trust yourself, how can you ask anyone else to?

It’s been months since Aden Colt left the Army, and still the memories haunt him. When he moved into a tiny boat off the California coast, he thought he’d found the perfect place to escape life. Then Sawyer shows up and turns his simple life upside down. Beautiful and sophisticated, she seems out of place in this laid-back beach town. Something is pushing her to experience everything she can-including Aden. But as much as he wants her, starting a relationship with Sawyer puts them both at risk. For Aden, the past doesn’t stay there; it shows up unexpectedly, uncontrollably, and doesn’t care whose life it wrecks.

Tortured hero, anyone? If you’re looking for a book that will instantly hook you and has fantastically complex characters you can’t help but root for, you should definitely check out Wrecked. It’s intense, sexy, yet still has enough light-hearted moments to balance out the dark. I really enjoyed this read!

“I’m fucking wrecked without you.”

After being honorably discharged, Aden Colt arrived back on American soil wrecked from his time overseas. The loss of his men because of his mistake haunts him, and he can’t escape his nightmares. He secludes himself in a boat off the coast of San Diego, where he’s either drinking or fishing. It’s a quiet, simple, if lonely life – but everything changes when Sawyer Forrester enters his life.

Sawyer travels to San Diego to fulfill her dying twin sister’s wish – to pretend to be her while packing up all of Celia’s belongings so that the people who knew Celia would remember her as the adventurous, lively woman she was, rather than the sick, bed-ridden woman she is now. As the sister who was always overshadowed, Sawyer thinks she’ll have a tough time channeling her inner Celia. Sawyer has slight OCD, is terrified of germs, and never goes on adventures, so how can she possibly fool anyone? What Sawyer doesn’t expect is to come to love her time as Celia because of Aden. Aden, who she feels a draw, a connection with. He opens up a new world for her and makes her see that she is capable of so much more than she realized.

It’s the way he makes me feel like I’m the only woman in the world. He responds to every word I say, every sound that slips unabashed from my lips, as if I’m giving him a secret he’s been desperate to discover. When we’re together it’s as if I’m the air and he’s begging for his next breath.

But even as the two are undeniably drawn towards one another and can’t help but fall for each other, Aden’s demon’s are never far away… and oh yeah, Aden thinks Sawyer is Celia. Aden and Sawyer have a lot going against them, but the chemistry and connection they have is unlike anything they’ve ever felt, so how can they not pursue it?

“I don’t want to forget you.”
“I’ll make sure you never will… I’ll mark your fucking soul.” His lips touch the shell of my ear and he whispers, “The way you’ve marked mine.”

I’ll admit, as much as I enjoyed the story, I had a hard time connecting with the characters, mainly because I just couldn’t relate to them. Despite that, I loved how clearly the author was able to convey all the emotions coursing through the pages. Sawyer and Aden go through a roller coaster of emotions, the highs and lows all perfectly balanced so that I was entertained the whole way through. If tortured souls and self-discovery is your jam, make sure to pick up Wrecked!


lacey

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

Also by J.B. Salsbury

Split: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

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