Title: Without You Series: Burgers and Brew Crüe #8 Author: Lacey Black
Genre: Contemporary Romance Tropes: Single Dad/Second Chance/Small Town Release Date: September 26, 2023
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Tucker
I spend my days brewing beer for the popular Brew Crüe Beer Company and my nights devoted to being a dad. Raising a young child with special needs can be tough and stressful, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. He’s everything to me, and the reason I keep going. It’s him and me against the world, and I have no intention of changing that.
Then, Kinsley McGregor walks back into my life.
Letting her go all those years ago was the hardest thing I had ever done, and having her here proves how good we are. Unfortunately, her Nashville life is calling, and I will have to let her go again.
This time, it’s not just my heart I risk, but my four-year-old son’s too.
Kinsley
My entire life explodes on television for the whole world to witness. After my husband’s public affair throughout the course of my very first headlining tour, I retreat to my safe haven: Stewart Grove. I need a place to lick my wounds and figure out my next step, without being under the watchful eye of the paparazzi, and I find it in my hometown.
I wasn’t planning to reconnect the man I left behind, along with his adorable son.
Tucker Dunn was everything I ever wanted before I went to Nashville to chase my country music dreams. Leaving him in Stewart Grove wasn’t easy, but it was the path we chose together.
Now, I stare down the same choices; only this time, the decision will be harder to make.
I’ve loved the books that Lacey Black has given us until now, and tbh, I didn’t think any of the main characters could be more of a favorite than the original Brew Crue, but Lacey keeps on surprising me and giving me new faves with each read.
We knew from a previous read that Kinsley was Kellan’s little sister, Kellan being Tucker’s best friend. Tucker and Kinsley were a couple when they were younger but Kins left to chase her music career and Tucker stayed in Stewart’s Grove. Kinsley has been doing great and was happy in her career until an embarrassing incident in her private life had her heading home to SG to hide out and reassess.
First time seeing each other once Kins was back home, even though it was a quick interaction, let them both see that they still had feelings. I loved how they both had things to think about, talked a lot, were logical and started out again as friends. Their relationship grew organically throughout the story and I was rooting for them all the way.
The best thing for me was Kinsley’s reaction to and relationship with Grayson, Tucker’s son. She was awesome with him and the little guy adored her in return. Scenes with the three of them were some of my favorites to read.
There was a ton of heat, connection, sense of belonging and rightness in this read. As ever we caught up with the guys from the bar and their significant others, which is always fun! I was hooked from beginning to end.
I do hope that Lacey heads back to Stewart Grove and the Crew at some point in the future but until then I’m looking forward to what she’s got coming next!!
ALSO AVAILABLE
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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.
Title: Without You Series: Burgers and Brew Crüe #8 Author: Lacey Black
Genre: Contemporary Romance Tropes: Single Dad/Second Chance/Small Town Cover Design: Melissa Gill Designs Photographer: Wander Aguiar Photography Model: Tyler Collins Release Date: September 26, 2023
BLURB
Tucker
I spend my days brewing beer for the popular Brew Crüe Beer Company and my nights devoted to being a dad. Raising a young child with special needs can be tough and stressful, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. He’s everything to me, and the reason I keep going. It’s him and me against the world, and I have no intention of changing that.
Then, Kinsley McGregor walks back into my life.
Letting her go all those years ago was the hardest thing I had ever done, and having her here proves how good we are. Unfortunately, her Nashville life is calling, and I will have to let her go again.
This time, it’s not just my heart I risk, but my four-year-old son’s too.
Kinsley
My entire life explodes on television for the whole world to witness. After my husband’s public affair throughout the course of my very first headlining tour, I retreat to my safe haven: Stewart Grove. I need a place to lick my wounds and figure out my next step, without being under the watchful eye of the paparazzi, and I find it in my hometown.
I wasn’t planning to reconnect the man I left behind, along with his adorable son.
Tucker Dunn was everything I ever wanted before I went to Nashville to chase my country music dreams. Leaving him in Stewart Grove wasn’t easy, but it was the path we chose together.
Now, I stare down the same choices; only this time, the decision will be harder to make.
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.
If you ask my family, I’m wasting my life. If you ask me, I’m living it to the fullest. Am I capable of doing more? Absolutely. However, slinging drinks at the resort makes me happy. At least for now. Not that my family would understand.
It’s just another night behind the bar, until it isn’t. She’s everything I never knew I wanted wrapped up in one breathtaking package.
I’m drawn from the start, willing to do what it takes for a little more time. The problem is the sand in the hourglass is running out. Her extended stay is coming to an end, and when it does, I’ll have to let her go.
Even if I don’t want to.
Adeline
I’ve been looking forward to this weekend since my best friend announced her destination wedding. Sure, I wanted to see my oldest friend marry the love of her life, but I also needed a break from life…from my father.
However, even states away, he still manages to control my fate. I wanted one weekend. Three days without the stresses and obligations that come along with having my last name.
For the first time in my life, I ignore my father’s demands and open my eyes to what I truly want. I’m seeing everything around me in a new light, and that includes the hot bartender at the resort.
Lacey Black is a ‘go to’ author for me, I got hooked with the Burgers & Brew Crüe and I’ve been addicted ever since!
I’ve really enjoyed the Kissing Games reads so far and Kissing A Stranger was no exception.
We knew from previous books that Adeline was interested in the bartender, Decker. While Audrey’s ‘wedding that wasn’t’ featured lightly in the story, for the most part Addi and Decker were on their own and their interactions took place mainly in Florida.
Both main characters had expectations placed heavily in their shoulders… the difference being one found the strength to walk away while the other was drowning in the forced responsibilities and pressure from family.
It was good seeing Addi relax, learn how to think about herself and what she wanted. Being away from home and work and taking time for herself was so foreign to her that it was as if she was living a different life. Decker was good for her in more than just making her feel seen and wanted. Even when knowing that their time was coming to an end he continued to encourage Addi to follow her gut and heart and do what she thought rather than what was expected.
Lacey writes horrible people well. Addi’s dad was truly dislikable and I just wanted her to tell him where to go… but it seemed she was always gonna think about others before herself!!
Was delighted with how this story ended. While you don’t have to read the series to enjoy the individual books it is seriously more fun knowing what’s going in with the others in the wedding party.
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.
Title: Home Sweet Home Series: Burgers and Brew Crüe #6 Author: Lacey Black
Genre: Contemporary Romance Release Date: January 10, 2023
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Leo
Everyone has a past they’re trying to outrun, myself included. My time in the military left me with scars, both physically and emotionally, which is why I keep to myself. Since returning home to Stewart Grove, I work a lot so I have little time to think. To remember. I’m just content to make it through the day.
Then I meet Kallie Carpenter.
I am drawn to the sexy bartender in a way I’ve never experienced, and despite knowing I should stay away, I can’t. Kallie calls to the very depths of my soul, every broken piece of it.
I hope I don’t destroy us both.
Kallie
Taking care of my injured dad and his horse ranch, as well as working at the local bar doesn’t leave me much time for a social life. Between home and Burgers and Brew, I keep myself plenty busy, despite my dad’s insistence I give dating another try. It’s not that I wouldn’t mind it, I just barely have any time to myself, let alone making room for another.
Then I find Leo Martinez sitting at the end of the bar.
He’s guarded and a little rough around the edges, but I can’t stay away. There’s a darkness in his eyes that speaks of pain, yet I only see the amazing man he tries to hide from the world.
We’re back in Stewart Grove at Burgers & Brew and this time it’s Leo and Kallie’s story. Leo is Garreth’s friend and Kallie works behind the bar at B&B.
Both have baggage and issues. Kallie’s from a past relationship and the toll that come from being the carer of her dad and looking after their ranch when not at work at the bar.
Leo was in the military. He suffers badly with PTSD and has physical and mental scars from his last deployment.
Neither is looking for a relationship, Kallie certainly doesn’t have the time to think about someone else on top of all she’s dealing with… Leo doesn’t think he has anything to offer someone else and worries about hurting another person.
Kallie’s vehicle breaks down and Leo is the one to come to her aide. Ultimately this leads to them spending some time together and getting to know each other better – I loved Leo’s interactions with Kallie’s dad and how things worked out with him at the ranch.
They build a friendship but have an undeniable attraction to each other and it was awesome that Kallie gave Leo a sense of calm and peace when he was with her and he gave her a feeling of belonging and made her feel she wasn’t so alone.
Leo then gets some bad news and a surprise visit from the wife of one of his friends from the military that knock him for six…. This happens at a time when Kallie really needs his help, but the news and visit has him heading down some dark alleys and he’s not there emotionally or physically to help her.
This was an emotional read. My heart hurt for both of them and I desperately wanted things to work out for them. Lacey Black really knows how to wrote a story that gives you ALL the feels… believe me, Home Sweet Home had it all; emotion, pain, longing, a great sense of family when it came to the gang and a shed load of heat and chemistry between Leo and Kallie.
The plot and tone of the story were quite different from the previous books in the series but in a good way and I truly loved this couple and was rooting for them the whole time.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
AUTHOR BIO
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.
I love my job. Bartending is more than just serving drinks to customers at the hottest bar and restaurant in Stewart Grove. It’s the people I work with and those I meet along the way. I know how to have a good time. Just one flirty little grin and the ladies are like putty in my hands. But they know the score: I’m a one and done guy, not looking to ever fall into the trap of love.
Then, a sweet, gorgeous coworker needs help, and I find myself offering up more than I should.
With Cameron Wright temporarily living with me, pretending to be my girlfriend, the lines begin to blur fast. She’s in my space and I suddenly have free rein to hold and kiss her.
Helping her might very well be my downfall.
Cameron
I keep to myself. Despite working as a server at the popular gourmet burger joint, I make sure my eyes are always ahead, focused on the prize: make enough tips to pay off my debts. When you carry around this much guilt every day, the weight slowly starts to drag you down, but I’m determined. My past will not define me.
Until one day, that past returns and is ready to rekindle our old relationship.
Cocky playboy Kellen McGregor steps up, not only offering a place to stay, but also a way to put space between me and my ex. Problem is, in no time, I find I like being with him.
I just need to remember he’s not the forever kind of guy.
Don’t you just love the Burgers and Brew Crüe…. Lacey Black keeps hitting it out the park with this series.
We’ve met Kellen and Cameron earlier in the series and I liked them both.
Cameron had had trouble before thanks to her drug stealing boyfriend. Being in her own with not a lot of family support she lives her life quietly and keeps out of any kind of trouble. She’s become friends with Garrett and Reagan who look out for her. Things have been going well for her when her ex all of a sudden reappears in town and seems to be everywhere she turns.
Kellen is a player. He’s a really good person, cares about those he considers friends and family but dienst see himself getting seriously involved with anyone given his upbringing. He knows something happened with Cameron but doesn’t know the full story and doesn’t speculate as others do.
Things take an unexpected turn for the worse and Cameron needs somewhere to stay for a little while. Kellen is more than happy to help her out as he can accommodate and so things with them start to develop.
I liked how easy these two were with each other. Kellen made Cameron feel safe and she made his house feel less empty and lonely. Watching their relationship grow from colleagues to friends to more was great.
As ever we had the Crüe gang and their other halves, they really showed what being part of the bars ‘family’ meant. These folk are there when needed and are loyal to a fault!!!
I’m looking forward to the next book in the series and hope it’s the couple I’m thinking it might be.
GUSA 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.
Title: Kissing A Stranger A Kissing Games Series Standalone Author: Lacey Black
Genre: Contemporary Romance Tropes: Opposites Attract/Different Worlds Cover Design: Book Cover Boutique Photographer: Wander Aguiar Photography Model: Lucas Loyola Release Date: July 13, 2023
BLURB
Decker
If you ask my family, I’m wasting my life. If you ask me, I’m living it to the fullest. Am I capable of doing more? Absolutely. However, slinging drinks at the resort makes me happy. At least for now. Not that my family would understand.
It’s just another night behind the bar, until it isn’t. She’s everything I never knew I wanted wrapped up in one breathtaking package.
I’m drawn from the start, willing to do what it takes for a little more time. The problem is the sand in the hourglass is running out. Her extended stay is coming to an end, and when it does, I’ll have to let her go.
Even if I don’t want to.
Adeline
I’ve been looking forward to this weekend since my best friend announced her destination wedding. Sure, I wanted to see my oldest friend marry the love of her life, but I also needed a break from life…from my father.
However, even states away, he still manages to control my fate. I wanted one weekend. Three days without the stresses and obligations that come along with having my last name.
For the first time in my life, I ignore my father’s demands and open my eyes to what I truly want. I’m seeing everything around me in a new light, and that includes the hot bartender at the resort.
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.
I love my job. Bartending is more than just serving drinks to customers at the hottest bar and restaurant in Stewart Grove. It’s the people I work with and those I meet along the way. I know how to have a good time. Just one flirty little grin and the ladies are like putty in my hands. But they know the score: I’m a one and done guy, not looking to ever fall into the trap of love.
Then, a sweet, gorgeous coworker needs help, and I find myself offering up more than I should.
With Cameron Wright temporarily living with me, pretending to be my girlfriend, the lines begin to blur fast. She’s in my space and I suddenly have free rein to hold and kiss her.
Helping her might very well be my downfall.
Cameron
I keep to myself. Despite working as a server at the popular gourmet burger joint, I make sure my eyes are always ahead, focused on the prize: make enough tips to pay off my debts. When you carry around this much guilt every day, the weight slowly starts to drag you down, but I’m determined. My past will not define me.
Until one day, that past returns and is ready to rekindle our old relationship.
Cocky playboy Kellen McGregor steps up, not only offering a place to stay, but also a way to put space between me and my ex. Problem is, in no time, I find I like being with him.
I just need to remember he’s not the forever kind of guy.
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.
Title: Pretty Incredible Series: Pine Village #1 Author: Lacey Black
Genre: Contemporary Romance Release Date: October 11, 2022
BLURB
Blair
Hooking up with my best friend’s brother was a mistake…an unforgettable one. It’s always in the back of mind and having returned to town has brought all those feelings rushing to the surface.
This time, I’m only here to cover my dad’s patients and help run the clinic—all work and no play. I haven’t even seen Gabe Rhodes since the steamy night we shared after he rescued me from a snowstorm. I need to keep it that way. Feelings make things messy and coming home has enough complications for me.
Avoiding him is going to be harder than I thought—turns out Gabe is my new co-worker, and the gorgeous physician isn’t just sharing the practice with me. He wants to share his bed too.
Gabe
Blair O’Connor is back in town, and back in my life…and if we’re not careful she’ll be back in my arms. Being forced to work next to the sexy pediatrician every day is a special kind of torture.
She keeps reminding me she’s only here for a few months—that she has a job to do. We both do. But that doesn’t stop me from wanting her. The green-eyed beauty has captivated me. I know being here isn’t easy for her, witnessing the life her dad built with a new family.
I just have to make her see there are other reasons to stay…like how good we could be together.
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.
Title: Tell Me A Story Authors: Kaylee Ryan & Lacey Black
Genre: Contemporary Romance Release Date: October 4, 2022
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Joey
I don’t want to be someone’s dirty little secret. I know all too well what that feels like.
Guarding my heart means staying out of pro football player Brock Williams’s bed and out of the spotlight. But after all these years, he’s exactly like I remember, charming, determined, and used to getting what he wants. And what he wants now is me.
The chemistry between us is undeniable. And the guy I always saw as a player is now the one who makes my heart beat fast—the one who leaves dirty love notes on my pillow.
Oh, yeah… he also happens to be my brother’s best friend.
Brock
Hooking up with Joey is a bad idea, but that’s not going to stop me.
I remember the first time we met. Joey showed up at campus to visit her brother, and when she came walking out in that little yellow bikini, I stopped seeing her as my best friend’s little sister and saw her as someone I desired but could never have. It turns out I was wrong.
For now, it’s stolen moments and promises on paper… of all the things I’m going to do once I make her mine. Her brother might not forgive me, but she’s worth the risk. I can’t deny myself any longer.
I’m tired of sitting on the sidelines. It’s time to execute the play and show Joey how our story ends.
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kaylee Ryan has been crowned the Queen of Swoon by her readers. With nearly fifty romance books under her belt, she’s known for penning happily ever afters with heart. When she’s not writing, you can find her with a book in her hand or hanging out with her family where she resides in her home state of Ohio.
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.
Title: Pretty Incredible Series: Pine Village #1 Author: Lacey Black
Genre: Contemporary Romance Cover Design: Sarah Paige, The Book Cover Boutique Release Date: October 11, 2022
BLURB
Blair
Hooking up with my best friend’s brother was a mistake…an unforgettable one. It’s always in the back of mind and having returned to town has brought all those feelings rushing to the surface.
This time, I’m only here to cover my dad’s patients and help run the clinic—all work and no play. I haven’t even seen Gabe Rhodes since the steamy night we shared after he rescued me from a snowstorm. I need to keep it that way. Feelings make things messy and coming home has enough complications for me.
Avoiding him is going to be harder than I thought—turns out Gabe is my new co-worker, and the gorgeous physician isn’t just sharing the practice with me. He wants to share his bed too.
Gabe
Blair O’Connor is back in town, and back in my life…and if we’re not careful she’ll be back in my arms. Being forced to work next to the sexy pediatrician every day is a special kind of torture.
She keeps reminding me she’s only here for a few months—that she has a job to do. We both do. But that doesn’t stop me from wanting her. The green-eyed beauty has captivated me. I know being here isn’t easy for her, witnessing the life her dad built with a new family.
I just have to make her see there are other reasons to stay…like how good we could be together.
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.
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