The moment he divorced his ex-wife, Jeremiah decided two things.
One, he would never, ever get into that kind of situation again—i.e., marriage.
Two, he would spend more time doing what he loved—baking, riding motorcycles, spending time with the Battle Crows MC, and getting some quiet time for just himself. Pretty much doing the things he enjoyed, that his ex-wife could no longer ruin.
And, months after his divorce was final, he’s held strong.
He hasn’t gotten entangled with a woman. He’s opened his own bakery. And he’s never been closer to his club.
It has to be why he allowed them to have a massive club party at his place, which became the cause of Gracelynn Barry entering his life.
If he’d known Gracie was going to be his employee, he definitely wouldn’t have slept with her.
Yet, there he is, in the middle of an interview, finding out not only was the woman he slept with the most viable applicant for a job he very much needed filled, but that she’d recently broken up with the man he loathed. The second reason he’d divorced his ex-wife. Erich. His ex-stepson.
To say life is simple for Jeremiah would be a joke of epic proportions.
Lani Lynn Vale is a USA Today bestselling author of Contemporary and Romantic Suspense and has a love for all things romance. Lani is married to the love of her life that she met in high school. She fell in love with him because he was wearing baseball pants. Ten years later they have three perfectly crazy children and a cat named Demon who likes to wake her up at ungodly times in the night. They live in the greatest state in the world, Texas. You can find Lani in front of her computer writing away in her fictional characters world…that is until her husband and kids demand sustenance in the form of food and drink.
To get in touch, like her on Facebook, tweet her or sign up for her newsletter ~ check out Lani’s Contact page.
Title: The Path to You Series: The Wilder Brothers #3 Author: Carrie Ann Ryan
Genre: Contemporary Romance Cover Design: Sweet N Spicy Designs Photo: Wander Aguiar Model: Lucas Loyola Release Date: December 5, 2022
BLURB
The Wilder Brothers from NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan continues with a second chance romance that brings Everett Wilder to his knees.
The moment I saw Bethany Cole, I knew she was not only out of my league, but in a whole different world. Only I didn’t realize I’d met her before. An explosion stole part of my past, including the first time I’d seen her pretty face. Now she’s an A-list celebrity. And I’m just a Wilder.
But when her boyfriend cheats on her, Bethany needs a safe place to hide from the paparazzi. The Wilder’s Retreat seems like the perfect escape. Only every time we see each other it’s hard to remember we come from two different worlds. And that the danger that follows her is only the beginning.
Carrie Ann Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary, paranormal, and young adult romance. Her works include the Montgomery Ink, Redwood Pack, Fractured Connections, and Elements of Five series, which have sold over 3.0 million books worldwide. She started writing while in graduate school for her advanced degree in chemistry and hasn’t stopped since. Carrie Ann has written over seventy-five novels and novellas with more in the works. When she’s not losing herself in her emotional and action-packed worlds, she’s reading as much as she can while wrangling her clowder of cats who have more followers than she does.
London Kelly is in love with her best friend and has been for years.
Too bad he’s an adorably clueless idiot who a) just doesn’t see what everyone else sees and b) abides by the rule of ‘don’t screw the crew’s sisters, daughters, or exes.’ And since London’s dad is his fire captain, that puts her firmly in the do not touch category.
Then one night, London decides to throw caution to the wind and kisses him, finding her unequivocally placed in the friend zone.
That’s when London decides that maybe it’s time to move on.
Except fate decides to have the last laugh, calling Luca to the scene of a fire at the very same restaurant where London is on a secret blind date, bringing him face-to-face with the reality that he could lose his girl.
Suddenly all bets are off.
Besides, bending the rules isn’t the same as breaking them… right?
***
USA Today Bestselling Author BJ Harvey brings you Rule Bender – Book 4 and the last book in a spin-off to the Cook Brothers steamy rom-com series featuring first responders in Chicago who are fighting the good fight and also finding love at the same time. This series can be read as a standalone and is set in the same world as the Bliss and Cook Brothers series before it.
“I’m not a child, Luc,” London pipes up. I look down at her mascara-smudged glare, my annoyance level dropping at the sight that’s more hilarious and adorable than menacing.
“Never said you were, Lonnie.”
“I prefer being called beautiful,” she grumbles.
I take a step forward and lift the clean corner of the towel and gently wipe around her mouth, my lips twitching as I look down at her gorgeous face. “Beautiful, you’re a cute drunk but you’re also a messy one, especially when you share your liquor with my turnouts and boots.” She giggles and my anger disappears completely. “I’m trusting Brock to—”
“Perfect Brock.”
The corner of my mouth tips up. “I ain’t calling him that, beautiful. You know there isn’t a man on earth that’ll ever be good enough for my girl.”
Her breath catches, a soft moan vibrating in her chest as her eyes flutter closed before slowly opening again.
“But I want you to go home, grab some water and some Tylenol, and go to bed. I’ll take care of your car and will come get you tomorrow on the way to lunch at my parents’, yeah?”
She stares at me for a good long while, but when the truck’s horn sounds, I know I’ve got to get a move on. “Can you do that for me, Lonnie?”
“Yes, Luc,” she nods, slowly at first then more enthusiastically.
“Good girl,” I say, earning a beaming, blinding smile this time. “And make sure you text me when you get home. Can you do that for me, beautiful?”
After she nods again, I lean in and touch my lips to her temple, ignoring how right it feels.
Before leaving her, I pin Perfect Brock with a knowing glare. “Straight home, man. I’m trusting you with something precious to me here.”
He tilts his head, rubbing his chin and studying me. “I can’t work out if you’re an idiot or you just don’t see it,” he says, pulling London snugly into his side. He looks to Cohen. “C’mon. You see it too, right?”
Cohen purses his lips and shrugs, not exactly denying it.
“What the fuck?” I ask.
He leans in and lowers his voice. “One date with this woman and I already know she’s someone special.”
I grind my teeth together so hard my jaw aches.
“And I don’t owe you anything, especially not after your friendly disposition tonight. But just so we’re crystal clear, this date stopped being a date when she told me she can’t get over her stupid crush on her best friend, and because I’m a nice guy, a good guy, and not the asshole you seem to think I am, I’ll give you some free advice. You’ve got a choice to make, and you’re gonna have to make it sooner rather than later.”
“Oh yeah? Enlighten me, wise one, who seems to know everything about my girl here.”
His eyes flash. “You can either open your eyes to what’s right in front of you and how good it could be, or you can let her go so she can get over you and find a man who’ll give her the world she desperately wants from you.”
Then, like he hasn’t just laid me out where I stand, he carefully turns London around and walks her down the sidewalk away from us, leaving me standing there wondering what the hell just happened.
Excerpt #2
Stepping forward, I reach for the tie hanging from my brother’s fingers, running through the steps of tying a Windsor knot in my head.
Then, in what must look hilarious to anyone looking in, four grown men and a teenager, try—and fail—to get the ties to look right. Of course, Val, London, and my dad just sit back and laugh at us until I shoot desperate puppy-dog eyes to my best friend.
“Please, Lonnie. Help a bestie out? My ties are usually the already tied type,” I explain, not missing the snorts from the guys and Dad’s disappointed groan. I bat my lashes at London in one final plea. She sighs, then seems to take pity on me. She crosses the room, her eyes dancing with humor as she bats my uncoordinated hands out of the way and gets to work. I smile at the deep concentration on her face, and my chest warms when the tip of her tongue darts out to touch the corner of her mouth as she twists and folds and threads the material through the loop.
The problem is, when she lifts her eyes to mine just as she slides the knot up to my neck, there’s this moment where the whole world stands still, and it’s like we’re the only two people left moving. I notice gold flecks in her deep blue eyes that I’ve never seen before. My gaze drops to the perfectly curved Cupid’s bow on her top lip.
My head goes a little fuzzy, and I have what I can only think of as an out-of-body experience because it feels right far too right. Like it’s not just my best friend smoothing her palm down my chest making sure the tie is perfect.
As if sensing my confusion, Lonnie jerks her chin up. Her eyes lock with mine before she quickly steps away, and the moment is gone as she slowly makes her way down the line of groomsmen, helping them, one by one, too.
But I’m frozen in my spot, my heart racing as I try to comprehend what the hell just happened.
BLP REVIEW – Tracy
This was a great end to the series.
I loved London and how she felt about Luca… lordy, everybody but the man himself could see how good they were together and that they were all but an ‘official’ couple because they did just about everything together…
I liked the fact that London tried it move on, how sweet a guy her date turned out to be when she outed herself and how the fact that seeing London with another guy made Luca realise just what he had and was potentially gonna lose.
I got Luca’s concerns and understood where he was coming from to an extent but he needed to start thinking more with his heart and a bit less with his head IMHO.
Catching up with the rest of their group and seeing how they’re doing is always fun. I’m sad the series has come to a close but I’m excited to find out what’s gonna be coming next from B.J.
In The Series:
Book 1: Show Stopper: A Knight in Charming Armor Firefighter Rom Com – FREE for a limited time!
BJ Harvey is the USA Today Bestselling Author of angsty contemporary romance, romantic comedy, and sometimes a little bit of romance suspense. She regards herself as a smut peddler, suspense conjurer, and a funny romance thinker upper. An avid music fan, you will always find her singing some hit song badly and loving every minute of it. She’s a miner’s wife, a mom to two beautiful teenagers, and was born in New Zealand and currently lives in Perth, Australia.
Now Mother Nature is having the last word—with a secret baby surprise!
Jade Dare has done everything in her power to overcome her mother’s unstable influence. Changed her name. Became a success. Vowed never to risk passing on the potential for inherited pain. What has it gotten her? One fiancé who wanted her for money. A second who cheated on her with his brother’s wife.
Now she’s sworn off men. Or at least off serious relationships. But when the chance to indulge in a one night stand with a man she’s secretly fantasized about arrives, she jumps in. Only to land heart-first into a case of the feels she can’t bring herself to trust.
Knox Sinclair always suspected he liked his brother’s fiancé a little too much, that’s why he kept his hands to himself. But with ties broken and Jade all too willing, a no-strings-attached night sounds like a damned good idea.
Except one night isn’t nearly enough. But while Knox is busy convincing Jade they have a chance at forever, the past is planning one last parting shot.
I’ve said before that I’m not a big fan of millionaire/billionaire characters but it still stands that I’ll happily read Carly Phillips’s work with these kinda leading men.
I thoroughly enjoyed Just One Kiss. I understood Jade’s reticence around relationships and why her mind was set on one night only with Knox. I liked that she was upfront about what she was looking for or prepared to get involved in even if she was gonna miss the chance at a great future when it presented itself.
Knox Sinclair, I really liked this guy. Different from the wastes of space that Jade had previously been in a relationship with, he’s an honest-to-the-gods good guy….. he cared, paid attention and was exactly what Jade needed, even if she couldn’t quite admit it to herself!!
These two have a shared history but they also have a connection and loads of chemistry. Jade thinks one night is gonna be enough when Knox knows they’re meant for so much more together.
I loved Knox’s reaction and actions when things between the pair got serious, there was no doubting where he stood and what he wanted.
The book dealt with a couple of serious issues that were well written and handled realistically.
A solid 4.5* read and another good read in this series.
Meet Carly Phillips:
NY Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestseller, Carly Phillips gives her readers Alphalicious heroes to swoon for and romance to set your heart on fire. She married her college sweetheart and lives in Purchase, NY along with her three crazy dogs: two wheaten terriers and a mutant Havanese, who are featured on her Facebook and Instagram. The author of 50 romance novels, she has raised two incredible daughters who put up with having a mom as a full time writer. Carly’s book, The Bachelor, was chosen by Kelly Ripa as a romance club pick and was the first romance on a nationally televised bookclub. Carly loves social media and interacting with her readers. Want to keep up with Carly? Sign up for her newsletter (below) and receive TWO FREE books at www.carlyphillips.com.
She drives him crazy and he’s falling crazy in love.
Matchmaking a Single Dad, a hilarious, hot single dad romantic comedy from New York Times bestselling author Denise Grover Swank and USA Todaybestselling author Angela Casella writing asAngela Denise, is out now!
They’re all wrong for each other…but sometimes two wrongs do make a right.
Cole
The only woman I need in my life is my eight-year-old daughter, Jane. As a widowed brewery owner, I don’t have the time or inclination for anything more serious than a one night stand. Running the brewery is a big job, and being a parent is a bigger one, especially since my in-laws keep trying to prove I’m an unfit guardian.
But there’s no denying Holly Mayberry drives me crazy with her sassy mouth and attitude. I’ve known her most of my life, but I’ve always done a good job of evading her. Until now. She’s teaching Jane’s after-school computer program, and fate keeps throwing us together.
Holly and I are like oil and water, no good for each other. I need to stop thinking about her, so I agree to beta test a new dating app—one that Holly designed, although she’s the last person I’d tell.
My match and I can only DM each other for thirty days. No photos. No real names. No personal information until the end.
If I wanted more with a woman, Cherry Bomb checks all the boxes…so why can’t I stop thinking about Holly?
Holly
Cole Garrison is a jerk. Or so I’ve told myself for years. The truth is, he’s a DILF and a half, and bickering with him is better than kissing someone else.
Hopefully, the guy I’m chatting up on my dating app will help me forget him…and take his place in my dirty daydreams.
Download your copy today on Amazon or Free in Kindle Unlimited!
Keep reading for a look inside Matchmaking a Single Dad!
The door opens, and the teacher sponsoring Tech Time, Mrs. Applebaum, comes in, followed by a boy and three little girls. Four. That’s not so bad. That’s two each for Mikey and me. I give him a we can do this look, but his expression has soured like milk left out too long. Mrs. Applebaum takes care of getting the kids into the room, which is its own brand of chaos, and then she claps her hands, her expression changing from frazzled to upbeat, and says, “There. Now I’ll leave them in your capable hands.”
“Wait,” Mikey says with alarm, rocking on his feet, “you’re not staying?”
“Oh, I’m sure you’re quite capable of holding down the fort. I’ll check in with you toward the end.”
“Are you sure—” I start, but I’m cut off by the closing of the door.
“Hi, I’m Eloise,” one of the kids says. She’s a little girl in a button-up shirt with pearl buttons that go up so high I’m surprised it’s not choking her.
Oh, yeah. Introductions. “I’m Holly,” I say, gesturing broadly to Mikey, “and this is Mikey. Why don’t you all pick computer stations?”
“Aren’t we supposed to call you Miss Holly and Mr. Mikey? Or by your last names?” Eloise asks as the kids get seated.
They’ve barely had time to introduce themselves before the door bursts open, revealing a newly harried looking Mrs. Applebaum, followed by none other than Cole Garrison himself and his small, dark-haired daughter, Jane.
“No,” I say reflexively.
“No, what?” Jane asks. “Hey, Dad, that’s the woman you always argue with.”
It’s my turn for murder eyes, only I make them at Cole. Cole, who only got better with age, damn him. His wavy dark hair has been joined by a short, trimmed dark beard that perfectly frames his lips, as if saying, “please kiss here.” Those eyes are as puppy doggish as ever, and now he’s both tall and broad, the kind of man any woman would welcome in her bed. To her detriment. Because he’s still a jerk.
I’ve had a somewhat recent refresher course on his jerkitude, actually. Before I left for New York, I made the monumental mistake of trying to be nice to him, and it’s a tactic I’m not about to reprise.
“Will you be joining us, Jane?” I ask, my tone tight.
Cole mustn’t know the no-swearing-in-a-school rule either, because he curses under his breath. “I didn’t know you were teaching this class,” he says to me. “Maybe this was a bad idea.”
“Excuse me,” I say. “I’m very qualified to teach a bunch of eight-year-olds Scratch.”
“It’s basic coding,” I say, glancing back at the other kids. “I’m going to teach y’all to make your own games. Doesn’t that sound fun?”
Please God, let them say yes.
There are a few enthusiastic nods, although Eloise instantly raises her hand again. Sighing, I nod at her. “Yes, Eloise?”
“Will there be a test?”
“No,” I say, “but we’ll be giving a presentation to the rest of the school before Christmas break.”
“Sounds like a test,” Jane mutters.
There’s probably no getting rid of her, and it’s not her fault that I have an issue with her father, so I say, “Why don’t you take a seat?”
She does, choosing the open seat near Mikey.
Cole scratches the back of his neck, looking at her. I guess Mrs. Applebaum is satisfied to have done her part, because she nods and says, “All right. That’s settled then. I’m going to my classroom. I’ll be back at the end of class.”
Does she have a flask in there or something? She seems suspiciously eager to get back to her desk.
“Can I talk to you for a second?” Cole asks. It takes me a second to realize he’s addressing me.
I gesture toward the children. Mikey is regarding them with escalating terror, probably because if I step out, he’ll be left in charge. “Not a great time, to state the obvious.” “Why are you doing that?” Jane asks Mikey, who’s tapping the side of her monitor agitatedly. “Do you have a nervous tic, or is there something wrong with the screen? If there’s something wrong with the screen, you probably shouldn’t have let me sit here.”
He mutters something about this being just like middle school.
“It’ll only take a second,” Cole says, his eyes burning into me. Despite myself, I feel a not unpleasant sense of awareness.
“Fine,” I say begrudgingly. “Mikey, get them to turn on their computers and draw up the program.” It’ll be easier for him to step up if there’s a concrete task to focus on.
I step out into the hall, and Cole takes several steps back, as if he feels the need to constantly keep a minimum distance between us. Fine by me. “What is it?” I ask tersely, shutting the door.
For a second, he just looks at me, and I’m about to lose patience when he finally says, “I know you don’t like me, Holly. But don’t take it out on my daughter.”
He might as well have punched me in the gut.
“Is that what you think of me? You think I’d be a creep to a little girl because she has the misfortune of being related to you? If anything, I’ll be nicer to her to make up for it.”
His expression suggests my shot has landed too, and I’m glad, but only temporarily.
The corner of his lips tip up in a self-deprecating smile that lacks any mirth. “You’re hardly the only person to think it’s her misfortune. I had to say it.”
“Did you?” I ask, tilting my head.
He takes a slight step toward me, as if preparing to tell me off, then says, “Goodbye, Holly.”
In my mind, I think of another day, of a young boy, still on his way toward becoming a man, saying, “I’ll be seeing you, Holly Mayberry.”
How the hell has it come to this?
I watch him go, partly because I want to make sure he really leaves and partly because he does, damn him, have a fine butt. No harm in looking, ladies.
BLP REVIEW – Tracy
This was a fab read…… Holly and Cole seemed to hate each other, but you know what they say abut hate being akin to love……
I loved that we saw their history from both their pov’s so it gave an understanding of why they baited each other as they did. There were a couple of times that I honestly wanted to punch Cole to see if that would rattle some sense into him, but he kinda worked it out for himself after a while….
Holly hid her heart behind her snark. She cared a helluva lot more that she’d like people to believe – especially Cole – and when she did let her guard down you saw the other part of her that rounded out who she was.
I adored Jane, to a certain extent she was kinda like a mini version of what you’d imagine Holly to be when she was younger. Raised by a single dad who let her know that she was his world she was a well adjusted, bright girl with a big heart who was full of sass and so very initiative.. this kid missed nothing!
With a great supporting cast of characters, a few completely detestable individuals – well written ‘cos I honestly disliked them so much – this was a fun read with some sad, a lot of laughs and an unexpected twist or two….
I’m looking forward to more in the series.
About Denise Grover Swank
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Denise Grover Swank was born in Kansas City, Missouri and lived in the area until she was nineteen. Then she became a nomadic gypsy, living in five cities, four states and ten ho uses over the course of ten years before she moved back to her roots. She speaks English and smattering of Spanish and Chinese which she learned through an intensive Nick Jr. immersion period. Her hobbies include witty Facebook comments (in own her mind) and dancing in her kitchen with her children. (Quite badly if you believe her offspring.) Hidden talents include the gift of justification and the ability to drink massive amounts of caffeine and still fall asleep within two minutes. Her lack of the sense of smell allows her to perform many unspeakable tasks. She has six children and hasn’t lost her sanity. Or so she leads you to believe.
ANGELA CASELLA loves writing romcoms, particularly with the lovely Denise Grover Swank. They write together as Angela Denise. Angela also writes the Fairy Godmother Agency series. She lives in Asheville, NC with her husband, daughter, and two geriatric dogs. Her hobbies include herding her daughter toward less dangerous activities, stress baking, and marathon watching TV shows.
About New York Times bestselling author Denise Grover Swank and USA Today bestselling author Angela Casella writing as Angela Denise
ANGELA DENISE is the pen name for the writing duo Angela Casella and Denise Grover Swank.
ANGELA CASELLA loves writing romcoms, particularly with the lovely Denise Grover Swank. She lives in Asheville, NC with her husband, daughter, and two geriatric dogs. Her hobbies include herding her daughter toward less dangerous activities, stress baking, and marathon watching TV shows.
DENISE GROVER SWANK is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author and has sold over three million books. She indie published her first book, a romance mystery, Twenty-Eight and a Half Wishes, in 2011. She has since published over fifty novels, multiple novellas and short stories as an indie and with five publishers. She is published in seven languages. She is a single mother to six children and four dogs and hasn’t lost her sanity. Or so she leads you to believe.
Grab your suitcase and prepare for the time of your life in this swoony tale that’s as hot as the tropical destination itself. Fans of runaway brides, close-proximity, one-bed, and friends-to-lovers tropes will fall hopelessly in love with this fling-to-forever romance.
I realize that a social media post isn’t the usual way to secure a date to your honeymoon—for obvious reasons—but here we are.
My wedding was canceled. What’s not canceled is the nonrefundable, ten-thousand-dollar all-inclusive vacation at a luxury resort, and I’m not about to let it go to waste.
I’m packed and ready to hit the beach. ButI can’t deny that it might be more interesting to honeymoon with someone.
Since my track record of picking dates isn’t exactly golden, I’ve done something that I hope I don’t regret. In a moment of weakness—mixed with panic and fueled by margaritas—I agreed to let my friends choose someone to go with me.
It’ll be a blind date / postnuptial vacation—without the nuptials. A few fun days in paradise with no expectations. No obligations.
Before you say, “pick me for a free vacay!” a few things to consider …
The perfect candidate will be single. He won’t talk too much on the plane. And he’ll be able to leave town quickly.
He will also be okay with sharing a bed. It’s a honeymoon suite, after all.
If you want to be considered, email Rebecca and Sara your application at the address below. (Get creative. There’s a free vacation on the line.)
Wheels up next week!
Godspeed, honeymooners.
Grab your suitcase and prepare for the time of your life in this swoony tale that’s as hot as the tropical destination itself. Fans of runaway brides, close-proximity, one-bed, and friends-to-lovers tropes will fall hopelessly in love with this fling-to-forever romance.
About the Author:
USA Today and Washington Post bestselling author Adriana Locke lives and breathes books. After years of slightly obsessive relationships with the flawed bad boys created by other authors, Adriana has created her own.
She resides in the Midwest with her husband, sons, and two dogs. She spends a large amount of time playing with her kids, drinking coffee, and cooking. You can find her outside if the weather’s nice and there’s always a piece of candy in her pocket.
London Kelly is in love with her best friend and has been for years.
Too bad he’s an adorably clueless idiot who a) just doesn’t see what everyone else sees and b) abides by the rule of ‘don’t screw the crew’s sisters, daughters, or exes.’ And since London’s dad is his fire captain, that puts her firmly in the do not touch category.
Then one night, London decides to throw caution to the wind and kisses him, finding her unequivocally placed in the friend zone.
That’s when London decides that maybe it’s time to move on.
Except fate decides to have the last laugh, calling Luca to the scene of a fire at the very same restaurant where London is on a secret blind date, bringing him face-to-face with the reality that he could lose his girl.
Suddenly all bets are off.
Besides, bending the rules isn’t the same as breaking them… right?
“Lonnie’s the one who met Luca Rossi and fell head over heels at first sight,” my sister Violet declares.
“That’s old news, Vi,” I mumble, my cheeks burning hot.
“Hey. It’s cute. Kinda adorable. And even after you went away and came back, you’re still friends with him, despite everything.”
“Despite nothing. He’s gone from ‘no, I don’t see you like that’ to ‘I’m going to drop two thousand big ones and give you the date of your dreams with the man of your dreams then give you the best sex of your life and—’” I slap my hand over my mouth, my wide eyes slowly scanning the amused and approving faces of my friends and family.
“I knew it!” Val says. “It’s still eww because he’s my brother, but good on Luc. At least he’s got that working for him. The rest can be a work-in-progress.”
“As much as I hate to admit it, if you’ve got chemistry, respect, honesty, and yes—hot sex—anything is possible, ” Skye adds.
I sigh. “Do I have honesty though? Because he took three years to make a move after more than a few chances.”
Renee shrugs. “Maybe he’s just slow on the uptake.”
“More like a damn snail,” Val says.
Skye giggles. “Or a sloth.”
Val’s brows furrow “Is a sloth slower than a snail?”
“Wait. Let’s look it up.”
BLP REVIEW – Tracy
This was a great end to the series.
I loved London and how she felt about Luca… lordy, everybody but the man himself could see how good they were together and that they were all but an ‘official’ couple because they did just about everything together…
I liked the fact that London tried it move on, how sweet a guy her date turned out to be when she outed herself and how the fact that seeing London with another guy made Luca realise just what he had and was potentially gonna lose.
I got Luca’s concerns and understood where he was coming from to an extent but he needed to start thinking more with his heart and a bit less with his head IMHO.
Catching up with the rest of their group and seeing how they’re doing is always fun. I’m sad the series has come to a close but I’m excited to find out what’s gonna be coming next from B.J.
More in the Series:
Book 1: Show Stopper: A Knight in Charming Armor Firefighter Rom Com
BJ Harvey is the USA Today Bestselling Author of angsty contemporary romance, romantic comedy, and sometimes a little bit of romance suspense. She regards herself as a smut peddler, suspense conjurer, and a funny romance thinker upper. An avid music fan, you will always find her singing some hit song badly and loving every minute of it. She’s a miner’s wife, a mom to two beautiful teenagers, and was born in New Zealand and currently lives in Perth, Australia.
Title: Always the One for Me Series: The Wilder Brothers #2 Author: Carrie Ann Ryan
Genre: Contemporary Romance Release Date: August 15, 2022
BLURB
The Wilder Brothers from NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan continue in this emotionally charged enemies to lovers romance.
It took two days for me to know Kendall was the one for me.
And it took two years for me to realize I had to leave in order to protect her.
When I walked away, I told myself it was for the best. But now we work together, and every time we’re in the same room, we end up fighting. If we didn’t, we’d end up naked. Or worse–spilling heartbreaking secrets.
If she knew the truth, she’d either walk away for good or convince me to take a second chance. The first thing would break me, and the second would break her. I can’t let either of those things happen…
I’m really enjoying the Wilder Brother’s series, Always the One for Me was less angsty than I expected but i loved that about it…. I think Evan and Kendall had had more than enough angst in their shared history.
There were a couple of threads in this book surrounding the family, One obviously the couple themselves, the second being all that’s been happening around the resort and who has been behind it and then there was a third and I really wasn’t sure what to think about that one……. Time will tell in upcoming books I suppose.
I liked that we got a little more insight into what some of the brothers have been dealing with since coming back to civilian life and working together and I’m really looking forward to finding out more about what makes them tick…..
A great read, full of family support, some overdue truths, unexpected events and a shed load of heat.
Carrie Ann Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary, paranormal, and young adult romance. Her works include the Montgomery Ink, Redwood Pack, Fractured Connections, and Elements of Five series, which have sold over 3.0 million books worldwide. She started writing while in graduate school for her advanced degree in chemistry and hasn’t stopped since. Carrie Ann has written over seventy-five novels and novellas with more in the works. When she’s not losing herself in her emotional and action-packed worlds, she’s reading as much as she can while wrangling her clowder of cats who have more followers than she does.
Title: What’s It Gonna Take Series: Burgers and Brew Crüe #5 Author: Lacey Black
Genre: Contemporary Romance Release Date: August 9, 2022
BLURB
Garreth
From the first moment I saw Reagan Turner at the bar and restaurant I help manage, I was drawn like never before. She was dating someone at the time, which meant she was off-limits, until the jerk broke up with her. I can’t get her out of my head, can’t stop wanting to kiss those perfectly lush lips. Fighting this attraction has been my kryptonite.
So, I give in to temptation.
Now, all bets are off. One touch, one kiss, one night will never be enough. Of course, I wasn’t factoring in us working together, which means I have to keep my desire—and my hands—to myself.
Should be easy enough.
Reagan
There’s something about the charismatic, flirty bar manager that pulls me in. When my boyfriend breaks up with me via text message, I suddenly see Garreth Taylor in a whole new light. He’s gorgeous, fun, caring, and everything a single woman could ever want. And for some reason, he seems to have his sights set on me, even if he doesn’t say it outright.
So, I make the first move.
The result is both explosive and dynamic, and before I know it, one night turns to two. He has a hang-up, however, about being professional while at work, and draws a line in the sand.
Looks like I’ll have to show him how fun it can be to cross it.
My blood is boiling. What kind of douche canoe sends a text to break up with a woman, and then shows up at the same place said woman you just broke up with is eating dinner? Justin fucking Morales, that’s who. I want to punch him in his smug, dirtbag face, but I won’t because my employers frown upon it. Well, maybe not Jameson as much as the others, especially when he hears what happened to his wife’s cousin. He’d probably jump to the head of the line to knock out a few teeth. I remember growing up with Jameson and Walker. They definitely weren’t afraid to get into parking lot scuffles. We didn’t hang in the same circles, but I never had any issues with them. I was just more focused on getting good grades, playing baseball, and getting into college. Reagan approaches where I stand, eavesdropping on her confrontation and not ashamed in the least. Her eyes are cast down at first, and when they finally meet mine, I can see her embarrassment and anger swirling together like a tornado. Part of me wants to reach out and pull her against my chest, vowing to kick his ass for hurting her, but I know she won’t appreciate that right now. Instead, I go to the one place I know will get a reaction out of her. “I’m so turned on right now,” I mutter, throwing her a wink and a smile. And just like that, the shock and rage reflecting in her stunning eyes falls away and is replaced by laughter. “Oh my God,” she sputters through her giggle fit. “What is wrong with you?” See? This right here. I’d rather see her happy and laughing instead of what that asshole made her feel like. When she smiles, there’s this light that surrounds her. It’s vibrant and makes me feel like I won a million dollars or something equally as badass. “You wound me, love.” I place a hand over my heart and sigh dramatically. Reagan rolls her eyes, much as I’d expect her to. “You’re nuts.” I sober and step closer, greedily breathing in her sweet scent. “Do you want me to drop a drink in his lap? Or maybe step on his patty before I serve it? I’d do it in a heartbeat, for you,” I tell her, only half-joking. Reagan gives me a sad smile, and Jesus, I don’t like it. “I do appreciate the offer, but I don’t think that’s necessary. Please don’t make any health code violations on my behalf,” she replies with the faintest grin on her pretty lips. “If you change your mind, send me a signal, okay? Maybe blow me a kiss from across the room or twerk. Twerking’s always good.” Her face completely relaxes as she laughs and shakes her head. “You’re terrible. I’m going to head back to my friends,” she says, reaching out and squeezing my arm. Little bolts of lightning streak through my veins and land firmly in my balls. It’s hard to just stand here and watch her walk away. “Oh, Garreth?” Glancing up, I meet her gaze. “Yes?” “Thank you. For making me smile.” She rewards me with another small smile. My throat is tight with emotion. “Anytime.” Reagan rejoins her party, immediately jumping into an animated telling of what happened over with Justin. As much as I’d love to go over there, I can’t. I have a job to do, which right now, is serving the ex. Even if I’d rather kick his ass out or just flat out refuse to serve him, that’s not my job, and I always strive to do the best job I can. Dammit.
BLP REVIEW – Tracy
What’s It Gonna Take is one of my favourite books in the series. The gods, I thought Walker and Jameson were pretty awesome but Garrett is up there with them.
I loved that there wasn’t a lot of angst in the read, it was an easy, fun filled book that was packed with heat and passion. This pair bring out the best in each other and their flirting and banter was so much fun.
One of the best things about this series is being able to keep up with the other guys in the crew and their ladies. I love their chat when they’re all together, they’re funny and love to get a rise out of each other but they’ve always got each other’s backs.
I was soooo happy when I discovered that Lacey Black is not yet finished with this series and I cannot wait for the next couple.
USA Today Bestselling Author Lacey Black is a Midwestern girl with a passion for reading, writing, and shopping. She carries her e-reader with her everywhere she goes so she never misses an opportunity to read a few pages. Always looking for a happily ever after, Lacey is passionate about contemporary romance novels and enjoys it further when you mix in a little suspense. She resides in a small town in Illinois with her husband, two children, and three rowdy chickens.
Not much has gone according to plan for mechanic, Pippa Freling, recently. With lots of bridges burned behind her, she decides to stick close to her sister and give Montana a try.
Things are looking up when she joins a local group of animal activists, buys an auto shop for a steal, and even tries her luck with the opposite sex. But it doesn’t take long before her hopeful new future is derailed once again.
This time permanently.
Maintaining tight control is the stronghold in Sully Eckhart’s life. It served him well during his years in special forces and has kept him out of trouble since. But his self-restraint stretches only so far whenever he finds himself faced with the one woman who has the ability to shake his determination. A woman he’s tried to avoid for months—since the first time she shook his resolve—but who now finds herself in the middle of a serial murder case.
However, when she not only ends up a person of interest to the FBI, but firmly in the crosshairs of a killer, he has no other option but to stick close.
We got the vibe that Sully was interested in Pippa from how he was with her in the previous book but I wasn’t expecting to enjoy them together as much as I did.
They didn’t start off quite the way they should have, I got why Sully felt the way he did but I wanted him to get his head together and see that it could be a great thing and maybe exactly what he needed. Pippa had reservations about relationships too, again, there were valid reasons that I totally understood but anyone could see that this pair would be great together….
Getting together the way they did wasn’t ideal but there was a definite spark and attraction between them so you knew that things would be ok….. well, between them anyway!!!
I loved that once he wrapped his head round everything Sully was all in. Yeah, he put his foot in it more than a few times, was a tad overbearing at times which drove Pippa crazy but his heart and intentions were in the right place and that endeared him even more to me…
Pippa had had a helluva experience in High Stakes but unfortunately her luck didn’t get much better for a while in High Ground, the hits just kept coming but thankfully she was such a stubborn, determined and strong-willed woman that she got there…. She did show her vulnerability at times but that was ok as she had a load of people who were there to support her and keep her going.
The supporting cast of characters are so different but they’ve all got each other back and once you become a part of the High Mountain ranch family – whether you realise you have or not – they’re all there for you too, which Pippa found out time and again. We met Ira, the new guy at Pippa’ garage and while I wasn’t sure about him at first he turned out to be another great addition.
Freya Barker is a definite favourite author of mine and as I’ve said before I love that her characters are a little older, have got flaws and a tendency to mess things up a bit, but they all deserve a happy life with someone by their side.
I’m looking forward to the next book in the series but I’ve got to say Bo is gonna have a challenge and a half on his hands with Lucy….
USA Today bestselling author Freya Barker loves writing about ordinary people with extraordinary stories. With forty-plus books already published, she continues to create characters who are perhaps less than perfect, each struggling to find their own slice of happy. Recipient of the ReadFREE.ly 2019 Best Book We’ve Read All Year Award for “Covering Ollie, the 2015 RomCon “Reader’s Choice” Award for Best First Book, “Slim To None”, Finalist for the 2017 Kindle Book Award with “From Dust”, and Finalist for the 2020 Kindle Book Award with “When Hope Ends”, Freya spins story after story with an endless supply of bruised and dented characters, vying for attention!
Get book 1 High Meadow for $2.49 with a Kindle Deal
An emergency call to pick up an injured stallion on the side of the road sends Alexandra Hart, the new owner of Hart’s Horse Rescue, into action. A recent addition to the area, she is not impressed when the animal’s taciturn owner shows up. With his less-than-stellar disposition, he’s the kind of man she normally avoids at all costs, unfortunately, he owns the ranch just down the road.
However, when the manhunt for a pair of escaped prisoners gets a little too close for comfort, Jonas turns out to be a better neighbor than she expected.
The Alex who shows up at his ranch to help with his prize stud’s recovery is not exactly who Jonas Harvey expected. This is the same bleeding heart he met on the side of the road. Worried she’s not up for the job, he’d prefer to keep a close eye on her but his High Mountain Trackers team gets called in to track down a group of domestic terrorists.
But the slip of a woman proves him wrong. On all fronts. Alex not only charms his horses but him as well, and when trouble comes calling she proves to be a worthy ally to boot.
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