#BookReview Back Check by Kelly Jamieson @KellyJamieson @readloveswept

categories: 9/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance
#BookReview Back Check by Kelly Jamieson @KellyJamieson @readloveswept Title: Back Check

Author: Kelly Jamieson

Series: Aces Hockey #4

Published by: Loveswept on Jan. 10, 2017

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 232

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Loveswept, NetGalley

Book Rating: 9/10

The so-bad-they’re-good alphas of hockey’s Chicago Aces are back in this emotionally charged novel of sex, love, and second chances from the bestselling author of Top Shelf and the Heller Brothers series.
 
Tanner Bennet hates weddings. They just remind him that he simply isn’t cut out for any kind of healthy, committed relationship—never has been, never will be. After getting rejected by the girl he thought was “the one” all those years ago, he made a huge mistake and married the wrong person. Now that the divorced heartbreaker has reluctantly agreed to be a groomsman for one of his NHL teammates, the last thing he expects is a chance at redemption with the one that got away.
 
After Marc Dupuis of the Chicago Aces hires wedding planner Katelyn Medford, she discovers that her big break comes with a twist: a reunion with her college sweetheart. The way she dumped Tanner still haunts her. Eight years—and three broken engagements—later, Katelyn knows she’ll never have that kind of innocent, wide-eyed passion again. Still, she and Tanner soon generate enough body heat to burn up the sheets. And even with Tanner’s career with the Aces up in the air, Katelyn’s wondering whether the time is right to let him in for real.

Review:

Fun, flirty, and smoking hot!

This is a passionate story that mixes, a hard-bodied, swoon-worthy hockey player who hasn’t had any luck finding the “one”, and a sweet, charming wedding planner who has yet to say “I Do”.

The writing is flawless. The characters are engaging, humorous, and real. And the plot is a provocative second-chance romance filled with witty dialogue, delicious chemistry, steamy tension, emotional drama, and competitive hockey.

I’m embarrassed to say this is the first Kelly Jamieson novel I’ve ever read, but I can guarantee there is already a few more of her titles added to my to read pile. I mean after all she is Canadian! Go Canada Go!

This is the fourth book in the “Aces Hockey” series and boy is it a good one. If you like sexy contemporary romances with captivating storylines this is definitely the book for you.

This novel is due to be published on January 10, 2017.

Pick up a copy of this book from your favourite retailer or from the following links.

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Indigo, Kobo, B&N

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Random House – Loveswept, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Kelly Jamieson

Kelly Jamieson is a USA Today bestselling author of over 40 romance novels and novellas. Her writing has been described as “emotionally complex”, “sweet and satisfying” and “blisteringly sexy”. She likes black coffee, white wine and high heels…and of course cheering on her Winnipeg Jets during hockey season!

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#BookReview Off Base by Annabeth Albert @AnnabethAlbert @CarinaPress

categories: 8/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance, LGBTQIA
#BookReview Off Base by Annabeth Albert @AnnabethAlbert @CarinaPress Title: Off Base

Author: Annabeth Albert

Series: Out of Uniform #1

Published by: Carina Press on Jan. 9, 2017

Genres: Contemporary Romance, LGBTQIA

Pages: 304

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Carina Press, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8/10

After trading the barracks for a fixer-upper rental, navy SEAL Zack Nelson wants peace, not a roommate—especially not Pike, who sees things about Zack he most wants to hide. Pike’s flirting puts virgin Zack on edge. And the questions Pike’s arrival would spark from Zack’s teammates about his own sexuality? Nope. Not going there. But Zack can’t refuse.

Pike Reynolds knows there won’t be a warm welcome in his new home. What can he say? He’s an acquired taste. But he needs this chance to get his life together. Also, teasing the uptight SEAL will be hella fun. Still, Pike has to tread carefully; he’s had his fill of tourists in the past, and he can’t risk his heart on another, not even one as hot, as built—and, okay, yeah, as adorable—as Zack.

Living with Pike crumbles Zack’s restraint and fuels his curiosity. He discovers how well they fit together in bed…in the shower…in the hallway… He needs Pike more than he could have imagined, yet he doesn’t know how to be the man Pike deserves.

Review:

Intriguing, romantic and heartwarming!

This is a contemporary romance story about military life, discovering one’s true self, and having the strength to follow one’s heart regardless of the consequences all wrapped up in a plot filled with flirty banter, sexual tension, chemistry, doubt, acceptance, harassment, friendship and love.

The writing is clear and precise. And the main characters are an alluring mix of an uncertain, strong, hunky Navy Seal and a fun-loving, charming professor who loves to tease. 

Overall, I would have to say this is an encouraging, lighthearted story with endearing characters that will captivate you from the very beginning.

This is the first novel in the new “Out of Uniform” series by Annabeth Albert, and I look forward to reading At Attention (Out of Uniform #2), Apollo and Dylan’s story, due out later this year.

 

This book is due to be published on January 9, 2017. 

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from the following links.

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Indigo, Kobo, Barnes & Noble

 

Thank you to Carina Press for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Annabeth Albert

Frequent tweeter, professional grammar nerd, and obsessive reader, Annabeth Albert is also a Pacific Northwest romance writer in a variety of subgenres.

Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two toddlers.

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#BookReview The Fire By Night by Teresa Messineo

categories: 9/10, Book Review, Historical Fiction
#BookReview The Fire By Night by Teresa Messineo Title: The Fire by Night

Author: Teresa Messineo

Published by: William Morrow on Jan. 17, 2017

Genres: Historical Fiction

Pages: 336

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: William Morrow, Edelweiss

Book Rating: 9/10

A powerful and evocative debut novel about two American military nurses during World War II that illuminates the unsung heroism of women who risked their lives in the fight—a riveting saga of friendship, valor, sacrifice, and survival combining the grit and selflessness of Band of Brothers with the emotional resonance of The Nightingale.

In war-torn France, Jo McMahon, an Italian-Irish girl from the tenements of Brooklyn, tends to six seriously wounded soldiers in a makeshift medical unit. Enemy bombs have destroyed her hospital convoy, and now Jo singlehandedly struggles to keep her patients and herself alive in a cramped and freezing tent close to German troops. There is a growing tenderness between her and one of her patients, a Scottish officer, but Jo’s heart is seared by the pain of all she has lost and seen. Nearing her breaking point, she fights to hold on to joyful memories of the past, to the times she shared with her best friend, Kay, whom she met in nursing school.

Half a world away in the Pacific, Kay is trapped in a squalid Japanese POW camp in Manila, one of thousands of Allied men, women, and children whose fates rest in the hands of a sadistic enemy. Far from the familiar safety of the small Pennsylvania coal town of her childhood, Kay clings to memories of her happy days posted in Hawaii, and the handsome flyer who swept her off her feet in the weeks before Pearl Harbor. Surrounded by cruelty and death, Kay battles to maintain her sanity and save lives as best she can . . . and live to see her beloved friend Jo once more.

When the conflict at last comes to an end, Jo and Kay discover that to achieve their own peace, they must find their place—and the hope of love—in a world that’s forever changed. With rich, superbly researched detail, Teresa Messineo’s thrilling novel brings to life the pain and uncertainty of war and the sustaining power of love and friendship, and illuminates the lives of the women who risked everything to save others during a horrifying time. 

Review:

Incredibly moving, hauntingly realistic and exceptionally captivating!

This is an impactful story that is told from two different perspectives. Jo, an American nurse whose compassion and strength are tested near the front lines of the western front. And Kay, Jo’s friend and fellow nurse who must endure horrific conditions and extreme brutality after being taken as a POW by the Japanese in the Pacific.

This is story about war, strength, bravery, hope, loss, injustice, love, and survival.

The prose is poetic. The imagery is remarkably descriptive. The characters are young, dedicated, damaged and disheartened. And the plot uses alternating points-of-view, and a back-and-forth style to give depth and understanding to all the personalities, relationships, and situations within it.

Overall, I would have to say I found this story to be profound and heartbreaking and a real reminder of just how indomitable the human spirit can truly be.

This novel is due to be published on January 17, 2017.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from the following Amazon links.

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Indigo, Kobo, Book Depository, B&N

 

 

Thank you to Edelweiss, especially William Morrow, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

#BookReview Beyond Derrynane by Kevin O’Connell

categories: 8/10, Book Review, Historical Fiction
#BookReview Beyond Derrynane by Kevin O’Connell Title: Beyond Derrynane

Author: Kevin O'Connell

Series: The Derrynane Saga #1

Published by: Gortcullinane Press on Jun. 7, 2016

Genres: Historical Fiction

Pages: 348

Format: eBook

Source: Kevin O'Connell

Book Rating: 8/10

Wed in an arranged marriage to a man nearly fifty years her senior, sixteen-year-old Eileen O’Connell goes from being one of five unmarried sisters to become the mistress of Ballyhar, the great estate of John O’Connor, one of the wealthiest and most influential men in Ireland.

When O’Connor dies suddenly seven months into their marriage, Eileen must decide whether she will fulfill her brother’s strategic goals for her family by marrying her late husband’s son.

Headstrong and outspoken, Eileen frustrates her brother’s wishes, as, through the auspices of her uncle, General Moritz O’Connell of the Imperial Austrian Army, she, along with her ebullient elder sister, Abigail, spend the ensuing richly-dramatic and eventful years at the court of the Empress Maria Theresa in Vienna. The sisters learn to navigate the complex and frequently contradictory ways of the court–making a place for themselves in a world far different from remote Derrynane. Together with the general, they experience a complex life at the pinnacle of the Habsburg Empire.

Beyond Derrynane – and the three books to follow in The Derrynane Saga – will present a sweeping chronicle, set against the larger drama of Europe in the early stages of significant change, dramatising the roles, which have never before been treated in fiction, played by a small number of expatriate Irish Catholics of the fallen “Gaelic Aristocracy” (of which the O’Connells were counted as being amongst its few basically still-intact families) at the courts of Catholic Europe, as well as relating their complex, at times dangerous, lives at home in Protestant Ascendancy-ruled Ireland.

In addition to Eileen’s, the books trace the largely-fictional lives of several other O’Connells of Derrynane, it is the tantalisingly few facts that are historically documented about them which provide the basic threads around which the tale itself is woven, into which strategic additions of numerous historical and fictional personalities and events intertwine seamlessly. 

Review:

Well researched, exceptionally detailed and highly informative!

This story takes us back into the 1760s, when women were considered mere objects and independence was unheard of, and gives us an in-depth look into the life and loves of the author’s ancestors.

It is ultimately a story about family relationships, betrayal, wealth, adventure, self discovery, fulfillment and love.

The writing is well done with beautiful imagery. The main characters are two Irish sisters; Abigail the homely, kind, content older sister; and Eileen the strong, determined, daring younger one. And the plot unfolds chronologically with a good mix of historical fact, authentic dialogue, and heartfelt emotion that keeps the story flowing from start to finish.

This is the first book in “The Derrynane Saga” and I look forward to reading the continuation of Eileen’s story in the next novel in the series when it is published.

 

This book is available now.

Pick up a copy of this book from your favourite retailer or from the following links.

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Chapters/Indigo, Book Depository

 

Thank you to Kevin O’Connell, the author, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review. It was a pleasure and honour to read.

 

About Kevin O'Connell

Kevin O'Connell is a native of New York City and a descendant of a young officer of what had—from 1690 to 1792—been the Irish Brigade of the French army, believed to have arrived in French Canada following the execution of Queen Marie Antoinette in October of 1793. At least one grandson subsequently returned to Ireland and Mr. O'Connell's own grandparents came to New York in the early twentieth century. He holds both Irish and American citizenship.

He is a graduate of Providence College and Georgetown University Law Centre.

For much of his four decades-long legal career, O'Connell has practiced international business transactional law, primarily involving direct-investment matters, throughout Asia (principally China), Europe, and the Middle East.

The father of five children and grandfather of ten, he and his wife, Laurette, live with their golden retriever, Katie, near Annapolis, Maryland

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#BookReview Her Every Fear by Peter Swanson @PeterSwanson3

categories: 8.5/10, Book Review, Mystery/Thriller
#BookReview Her Every Fear by Peter Swanson @PeterSwanson3 Title: Her Every Fear

Author: Peter Swanson

Published by: William Morrow on Jan. 10, 2017

Genres: Mystery/Thriller

Pages: 384

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: William Morrow, Edelweiss

Book Rating: 8.5/10

Growing up, Kate Priddy was always a bit neurotic, experiencing momentary bouts of anxiety that exploded into full-blown panic attacks after an ex-boyfriend kidnapped her and nearly ended her life. When Corbin Dell, a distant cousin in Boston, suggests the two temporarily swap apartments, Kate, an art student in London, agrees, hoping that time away in a new place will help her overcome the recent wreckage of her life.

Soon after her arrival at Corbin’s grand apartment on Beacon Hill, Kate makes a shocking discovery: his next-door neighbor, a young woman named Audrey Marshall, has been murdered. When the police question her about Corbin, a shaken Kate has few answers, and many questions of her own—curiosity that intensifies when she meets Alan Cherney, a handsome, quiet tenant who lives across the courtyard, in the apartment facing Audrey’s. Alan saw Corbin surreptitiously come and go from Audrey’s place, yet he’s denied knowing her. Then, Kate runs into a tearful man claiming to be the dead woman’s old boyfriend, who insists Corbin did the deed the night that he left for London.

When she reaches out to her cousin, he proclaims his innocence and calms her nerves–until she comes across disturbing objects hidden in the apartment and accidentally learns that Corbin is not where he says he is. Could Corbin be a killer? What about Alan? Kate finds herself drawn to this appealing man who seems so sincere, yet she isn’t sure. Jet-lagged and emotionally unstable, her imagination full of dark images caused by the terror of her past, Kate can barely trust herself, so how could she take the chance on a stranger she’s just met?

Review:

Disturbingly creepy with rich characterization!

This story is predominantly set in Boston, Massachusetts and is told from multiple perspectives, including Kate, a recent victim of kidnapping who agrees to apartment swap with her cousin in hopes of a fresh start; Corbin, the intelligent, remote, secretive cousin; and Alan, the introverted neighbour with a fondness for people watching.

The writing is smooth and precise. The characters are varied, intriguing and dark. And the plot, although not exceptionally fast-paced, does a good job of creating suspense, fear and tension through a character driven storyline and an unconventional narration style in which the same story is retold from differing points of view.

Ultimately, this is a story about secrets, lies, deception, jealousy, manipulation, obsession and murder.

Overall, I have to say I really enjoyed this novel. It is definitely a well written, fascinating thriller that reminds us that sometimes there lies a complex, deranged, horrifying mind behind the normal facade.

 

This novel is due to be published on January 10, 2017.

Pick up a copy of this story from your favourite retailer or from the following Amazon links.

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Indigo, Kobo, Book Depository, B&N

 

 

Thank you to HarperCollins and Faber & Faber Ltd. for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Peter Swanson

Peter Swanson is the author of four novels: The Girl With a Clock For a Heart, an LA Times Book Award finalist; The Kind Worth Killing, winner of the New England Society Book Award, and finalist for the CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger; Her Every Fear, an NPR book of the year; and his most recent, All the Beautiful Lies. His books have been translated into 30 languages, and his stories, poetry, and features have appeared in Asimov’s Science Fiction, The Atlantic Monthly, Measure, The Guardian, The Strand Magazine, and Yankee Magazine.

A graduate of Trinity College, the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and Emerson College, he lives in Somerville, Massachusetts with his wife and cat.

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Some Noteworthy Book Releases – January 2017

categories: General Blog Posts, Noteworthy Book Releases

 

January 1

January 3

January 9

January 10

January 12

  • Meet Me at Beachcomber Bay – Jill Mansell

January 16

January 17

January 20

  • Never Out of Sight – Louise Stone

January 31

#BookReview Afraid to Fly by L.A. Witt @GallagherWitt @RiptideBooks

categories: 8/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance, LGBTQIA
#BookReview Afraid to Fly by L.A. Witt @GallagherWitt @RiptideBooks Title: Afraid to Fly

Author: L.A. Witt

Series: Anchor Point #2

Published by: Riptide Publishing on Jan. 16, 2017

Genres: Contemporary Romance, LGBTQIA

Pages: 347

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Riptide Publishing, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8/10

Once a fearless fighter pilot, Commander Travis Wilson is now confined to a desk. It’s been eight years since the near-fatal crash that grounded him, and it still rules his life thanks to relentless back pain.

Lieutenant Commander Clint Fraser almost drowned in a bottle after a highly classified catastrophe while piloting a drone. His downward spiral cost him his marriage and kids, but he’s sober now and getting his life back on track. He’s traded drones for a desk, and he’s determined to reconcile with his kids and navigate the choppy waters of PTSD.

Clint has been on Travis’s radar ever since he transferred to Anchor Point. When Clint comes out to his colleagues, it’s a disaster, but there’s a silver lining: now that Travis knows Clint is into men, the chemistry between them explodes.

It’s all fun and games until emotions get involved. Clint’s never been in love with a man before. Travis has, and a decade later, that tragic ending still haunts him. Clint needs to coax him past his fear of crashing and burning again, or their love will be grounded before takeoff.

Review:

Touching, captivating, and remarkably fervent!

In this latest novel Witt takes us back to Anchor Point and reminds us of some of the emotional and physical damage experienced by those in the military and gives us a good look at the symptoms and effects of PTSD.

It is, ultimately, a story about family dynamics, friendship, compassion, support, romance and love.

The characters are real, troubled, mature and resilient. The prose is precise. And the plot, told from alternating perspectives, flows smoothly from start to finish with a good mix of suffering, tension, desire, rapport, and emotional turmoil.

Overall, this truly is a heartwarming story about two wounded men who finally find the solace, sensitivity, tolerance, tenderness, and intimacy they need in each other.

This is the second novel in the “Anchor Point” series. If you haven’t had a chance to check out my review of Just Drive (Anchor Point #1), you can find it HERE.

 

This book is due to be published on January 16, 2017. 

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from the following link.

Amazon Canada, Amazon US, Amazon UK, Indigo, Kobo, B&N

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Riptide Publishing, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About L.A. Witt

L.A. Witt is an abnormal M/M romance writer who has finally been released from the purgatorial corn maze of Omaha, Nebraska, and now spends her time on the southwestern coast of Spain. In between wondering how she didn't lose her mind in Omaha, she explores the country with her husband, several clairvoyant hamsters, and an ever-growing herd of rabid plot bunnies.

She also has substantially more time on her hands these days, as she has recruited a small army of mercenaries to search South America for her nemesis, romance author Lauren Gallagher, but don't tell Lauren. And definitely don't tell Lori A. Witt or Ann Gallagher. Neither of those twits can keep their mouths shut...

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#BookReview We Were on a Break by Lindsey Kelk @LindseyKelk

categories: 8.5/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance
#BookReview We Were on a Break by Lindsey Kelk @LindseyKelk Title: We Were On A Break

Author: Lindsey Kelk

Published by: HarperCollins on Jan. 3, 2017

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 416

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Harper Paperbacks, Edelweiss

Book Rating: 8.5/10

Is it a break? Or is it a blip? ‘You’ve just had a holiday,’ I pointed out, trying not to yawn. ‘Wasn’t that enough of a break?’ ‘I don’t mean that kind of break.’ There’s nothing worse than the last day of holiday. Oh wait, there is. When what should have been a proposal turns into a break, Liv and Adam find themselves on opposite sides of the life they had mapped out. Friends and family all think they’re crazy; Liv throws herself into work – animals are so much simpler than humans – and Adam tries to get himself out of the hole he’s dug. But as the short break becomes a chasm, can they find a way back to each other? Most importantly, do they want to?

Review:

Humorous, heartwarming, and absolutely enchanting!

This story is told from two different points of view. One is that of Liv, a sweet, intelligent veterinarian eagerly awaiting a marriage proposal from her boyfriend. And the other is Todd, a struggling carpenter who has the perfect proposal in mind. But like most things in life things don’t always work out the way we planned and before long cold feet and bad communication cause things to get completely turned upside down.

The writing is witty and crisp, and the characterization is well done, with not only interesting, likable main characters, but a whole slew of unique and quirky supporting characters that will definitely make you smile.

Once again, Kelk has written a great rom com about life, love, family, friendship and self discovery that will make you laugh and definitely leave you wanting more.

.

This book is due to be published on January 3, 2017.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from the following links.

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Indigo, Kobo, Book Depository

 

 

Thank you to Edelweiss, especially HarperCollins, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Lindsey Kelk

Lindsey Kelk is a Sunday Times bestselling British writer, who was born in Doncaster, went to uni in Nottingham, moved to London, then New York and now lives in LA. So far, she has written thirteen books, including the bestselling I Heart series, and 63,500 tweets. Which is probably why her newest book is behind schedule. Lindsey has been published in more than twenty-five languages around the world and sold more than 1.2 million books. It sounds like a lot but her cats aren’t impressed.

As well as her ‘witty, funny, warm and clever books’ (thanks, Marian Keyes), Lindsey is the co-host of beauty podcast, Full Coverage, regularly contributes to magazines and spends too much time on the internet. Oh, and Channing Tatum called her a unicorn. Make of that what you will.

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#BookReview Because You’re Mine by Colleen Coble @colleencoble

categories: 6.5/10, Book Review, Christian Fiction, Romantic Suspense
#BookReview Because You’re Mine by Colleen Coble @colleencoble Title: Because You're Mine

Author: Colleen Coble

Published by: Thomas Nelson on Jan. 10, 2017

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Christian Fiction

Pages: 336

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Thomas Nelson, NetGalley

Book Rating: 6.5/10

Alanna has been plagued by tragedy. So it should come as no surprise that in the beauty that surrounds Charleston, all is not as it seems.

When her husband is killed by a car bomb while their band is on tour in Charleston, Alanna doesn’t know where to turn. Her father-in-law is threatening to take custody of the baby she carries, but the one thing she knows for sure is that she can’t lose the last piece of Liam she has left.

Their manager offers her a marriage of convenience to gain her U.S. citizenship and allow her to escape her father-in-law’s control. It seems like the perfect solution . . . but her doubts begin almost as soon as she arrives at Barry’s family home, a decaying mansion surrounded by swamp.

To make matters worse, Liam’s best friend survived the car bomb. She’s never really liked Jesse and now she can’t seem to get away from him. When he takes Liam’s place in their band, it’s almost more than she can bear.

But then things start happening. Things that could easily cost Alanna her life—or the life of her unborn child. Are they merely coincidences? Or is there something much more sinister at work?

Review:

Suspenseful, intriguing and romantic!

This story is told from two perspectives; Alanna, a young, pregnant, Irish singer who must quickly learn how to survive as a widow when her husband is suddenly taken from her; and Jesse, a womanizer who finds himself struggling to rediscover who he truly is after suffering a catastrophic event.

The story, for me, started off really well. The plot was interesting and intriguing, and the immediate action and suspense had me completely captivated and engaged. However, by the second half of the story I was a little less engrossed. The character development seemed a little flat, and the repetitive Irish dialogue consistently caused a disruption to the flow.

I have to admit that I was really looking forward to reading this novel as Colleen Coble is a well-known, successful author in this genre, and although this wasn’t my favourite novel, I enjoyed the overall message of the importance of love and I do look forward to reading future releases by her.

 

This book is due to be published on January 10, 2017. 

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from the following links.

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Thomas Nelson, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Colleen Coble

Best-selling romantic suspense author Colleen Coble’s novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, the ACFW Carol Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has nearly 4 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana.

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#BookReview Hard Hitter by Sarina Bowen @SarinaBowen

categories: 9/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance
#BookReview Hard Hitter by Sarina Bowen @SarinaBowen Title: Hard Hitter

Author: Sarina Bowen

Series: Brooklyn Bruisers #2

Published by: Berkley Books on Jan. 3, 2017

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 336

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Berkley Publishing, NetGalley

Book Rating: 9/10

He’s a fighter in the rink, but he’s about to learn that playing nice can help you score… 

As team captain and enforcer, Patrick O’Doul puts the bruise in the Brooklyn Bruisers. But after years of hard hits, O’Doul is feeling the burn, both physically and mentally. He conceals his pain from his coach and trainers, but when his chronic hip injury becomes too obvious to ignore, they send him for sessions with the team’s massage therapist.

After breaking up with her long-term boyfriend, Ari Bettini is in need of peace of mind. For now, she’s decided to focus on her work: rehabilitating the Bruisers’ MVP. O’Doul is easy on the eyes, but his reaction to her touch is ice cold. Ari is determined to help O’Doul heal, but as the tension between them turns red hot, they both learn that a little TLC does the body good…

Review:

Charming, lighthearted, and deliciously hot!

This is a captivating, romantic tale between a hard-hitting, sexy hockey player with a troubled past, and a yoga-loving, massage therapist with an unpredictable ex who may just find everything they want and need in each other.

The characters are sweet, bold, likeable and athletic. The prose is smooth and effortless.  And the plot is an enticing mix of sizzling romance, steamy chemistry, suspenseful drama, and sporty action.

Overall, I would have to say this is a great, fun, easy read that has everything you look for in a contemporary romance novel, including of course that sought-after happy-ever-after ending.

This is the second book in the “Brooklyn Bruisers” series and if you haven’t had a chance yet to check out my review of Rookie Movie, book one in the series, you can check it out Here.

This book is due to be published on January 3, 2017.

Pick up a copy of this book from your favourite retailer or from the following links.

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Chapters/Indigo, Kobo, Book Depository

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Berkley Publishing Group, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Sarina Bowen

Sarina Bowen is the RITA® Award winning author of over two dozen contemporary and LGTB romance novels. She most recently hit the USA Today bestseller's list in February, with Brooklynaire. Formerly a derivatives trader on Wall Street, Sarina holds a BA in economics from Yale University.

Sarina Bowen is a New Englander whose Vermont ancestors cut timber and farmed the north country since the 1760s. Sarina is grateful for the invention of indoor plumbing and wi-fi during the intervening 250 years. On a few wooded acres, she lives with her husband, two boys, and an ungodly amount of ski and hockey gear.

Sarina's books are published in a dozen languages on four continents. In 2016, The Romance Writers of America honored HIM by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy with a RITA award for Best Contemporary Romance, Mid-Length.

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