Publisher: Carina Press

#BlogTour #BookReview Pretending by Holly Bourne @holly_bourneYA @HTPBooks and @Bookclubbish #HTPBooks #Pretending #HollyBourne #Bookclubbish

#BlogTour #BookReview Pretending by Holly Bourne @holly_bourneYA @HTPBooks and @Bookclubbish #HTPBooks #Pretending #HollyBourne #Bookclubbish Title: Pretending

Author: Holly Bourne

Published by: Mira Books on Nov. 17, 2020

Genres: General Fiction, Women's Fiction

Pages: 416

Format: Paperback

Source: Harlequin Books

Book Rating: 8/10

In this hilarious and heartbreaking debut novel perfect for fans of Fleabag, a woman struggling to move on after a traumatic relationship pretends to be “the perfect girl” in an act of vengeance that goes awry when she finds herself emotionally compromised.

He said he was looking for a ‘partner in crime’ which everyone knows is shorthand for ‘a woman who isn’t real’.

April is kind, pretty, and relatively normal – yet she can’t seem to get past date five. Every time she thinks she’s found someone to trust, they reveal themselves to be awful, leaving her heartbroken. And angry. Until she realizes that what men are really looking for is Gretel.

Gretel is perfect – beautiful but low maintenance, sweet but never clingy, sexy but not a slut. She’s a Regular Everyday Manic Pixie Dream Girl Next Door With No Problems.

When April starts pretending to be Gretel, dating becomes much more fun – especially once she reels in the unsuspecting Joshua. Finally, April is the one in control, but can she control her own feelings? And as she and Joshua grow closer, how long will she be able to keep pretending?


Review:

Intense, emotional and heartwrenching!

Pretending is a raw, honest, caustic tale that takes you on a journey into the life of the traumatized, suffering April as she struggles with the devastating and enduring physical and psychological effects of rape, a career that though rewarding is hard to bear, a deep desire for companionship and love, and a dating life composed of a neverending stream of untrustworthy men.

The writing is sharp and direct. The characters are complex, angry, insecure, and troubled. And the plot using a mix of narration, internal monologues, and text messages unfolds into an emotive tale of friendship, trust, consent, sexual dynamics, power, shame, self-blame, violence, denial, pain, and mental health.

Overall, Pretending is not at all what I was expecting and is quite a heavy, jaded read at times. It’s a tale that packs a punch tackling important social issues such as sexual abuse, inequality, and mental illness through a feministic lens, and yet remarkably still manages to be hopeful, insightful, and a touch romantic.

 

This book is available now.

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

           

 

 

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

 

About Holly Bourne

Holly Bourne is a bestselling UK-based YA and Adult Fiction author and is an Ambassador for Women’s Aid. In 2019, she was an Author of the Day at the London Book Fair, and was named by Elle Magazine’s weekly podcast as one of “Six Female Authors Changing the Conversation in 2019”. Pretending is her US debut.

#BookReview Feel the Fire (Hotshots #3) by Annabeth Albert @AnnabethAlbert @CarinaPress @HarlequinBooks @Bookclubbish #HarlequinPublicityTeam #HotshotsSeries

#BookReview Feel the Fire (Hotshots #3) by Annabeth Albert @AnnabethAlbert @CarinaPress @HarlequinBooks @Bookclubbish #HarlequinPublicityTeam #HotshotsSeries Title: Feel the Fire

Author: Annabeth Albert

Series: Hotshots #3

Published by: Carina Press on Oct. 26, 2020

Genres: Contemporary Romance, LGBTQIA

Pages: 336

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Carina Press, Harlequin Books

Book Rating: 8.5/10

The third installment of Annabeth Albert’s Hotshots series—the emotions and intensity of Chicago Fire with the raw, natural elements of Man vs. Wild .

When their career paths bring two high school sweethearts together again, the forest isn’t the only thing ablaze…

Fire behavior specialist Luis Riviera goes where his job takes him. But when he’s assigned to an arson investigation in Central Oregon—the place he left his broken heart twenty years ago—he’s afraid of being burned all over again.

Tucker Ryland had planned to join his first love, Luis, in LA after high school graduation, but life got in the way. Now a fire management expert and a divorced father of teen twins, Tucker’s thrown for a loop when he finds himself working side by side with his Luis, now all grown up and more intriguing than ever.

Though consumed by a grueling fire season and family responsibilities, the two men discover their bond has never truly broken. Tentative kisses turn to passionate nights. But smoking sheets aside, old hurts and new truths stand in the way of this time being the start of forever.


Review:

Sincere, steamy, and sweet!

Feel the Fire is a passionate, heartfelt, second-chance romance that features the dependable, loving Tucker, and the caring, hunky Luis as they navigate a relationship that includes a high school romance that reluctantly ended due to relocation, smouldering tension, undeniable attraction, and two teenage twin sons.

The writing is effortless and fluid. The characters are supportive, genuine, and endearing. And the plot is a heartwarming combination of family, friendship, heartbreak, angst, parenthood, tender moments, and unconditional love.

Overall, Feel the Fire is another emotional, uplifting, satisfying tale by Albert that is the perfect addition to what is quickly becoming, in my opinion, a smoking-hot series.

 

This book is available now.

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

           

 

 

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.

#BookReview Common Goal by Rachel Reid @akaRachelReid @CarinaPress @HarlequinBooks #CommonGoal #GameChangers #HarlequinPublicityTeam #CarinaPress

#BookReview Common Goal by Rachel Reid @akaRachelReid @CarinaPress @HarlequinBooks #CommonGoal #GameChangers #HarlequinPublicityTeam #CarinaPress Title: Common Goal

Author: Rachel Reid

Series: Game Changers #4

Published by: Carina Press on Sep. 21, 2020

Genres: Contemporary Romance, LGBTQIA

Pages: 282

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Carina Press, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8.5/10

New York Admirals goalie Eric never thought his friends-with-benefits arrangement with much-younger Kyle would leave them both wanting more…

Veteran goaltender Eric Bennett has faced down some of the toughest shooters on the ice, but nothing prepared him for his latest challenge—life after hockey. It’s time to make some big changes, starting with finally dating men for the first time.

Graduate student Kyle Swift moved to New York nursing a broken heart. He’d sworn to find someone his own age to crush on (for once). Until he meets a gorgeous, distinguished silver fox hockey player. Despite their intense physical attraction, Kyle has no intention of getting emotionally involved. He’ll teach Eric a few tricks, have some mutually consensual fun, then walk away.

Eric is more than happy to learn anything Kyle brings to the table. And Kyle never expected their friends-with-benefits arrangement to leave him wanting more. Happily-ever-after might be staring them in the face, but it won’t happen if they’re too stubborn to come clean about their feelings.

Everything they both want is within reach… They just have to be brave enough to grab it.


Review:

Spicy, steamy, and romantic!

Common Goal is a passionate, lighthearted, sports romance featuring the playful, outgoing Kyle, who is adamant about keeping things casual but more than happy to help a mature, sexy, hockey player explore his attraction to men, and the sweet, thoughtful Eric, who is ready for something more but definitely not with someone fifteen years his junior.

The writing is sultry and sincere. The characters are insecure, charming, and appealing. And the plot is a tantalizing mix of palpable attraction, unquenchable lust, sizzling chemistry, friendship, temptation, desire, drama, sexy times, and hockey.

Overall, Common Goal is a fervent, tender, seductive treat by Reid that is another wonderful addition to what is ultimately turning out to be an absolutely fantastic Game Changers series.

 

This novel is available now.

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

             

 

 

 

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

 

About Rachel Reid

Rachel Reid is the pen name of Rachelle Goguen. She chose it because it is much easier to say, spell and remember than Rachelle Goguen!

Rachel writes cute, romantic smut, mostly about hockey players.

Rachelle co-hosts a comic book podcast called Living Between Wednesdays.

Rachel/Rachelle lives in Nova Scotia, Canada. She has always lived there, and it's looking like she probably always will. She has two boring degrees and two interesting kids.

#BookReview Here to Stay by Adriana Herrera @ladrianaherrera @CarinaPress @HarlequinBooks @Bookclubbish #HarlequinPublicityTeam #HeretoStay

#BookReview Here to Stay by Adriana Herrera @ladrianaherrera @CarinaPress @HarlequinBooks @Bookclubbish #HarlequinPublicityTeam #HeretoStay Title: Here to Stay

Author: Adriana Herrera

Published by: Carina Press on Aug. 25, 2020

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 393

Format: Paperback

Source: Harlequin Books

Book Rating: 8/10

Starting over is more about who you’re with than where you live…

Julia del Mar Ortiz is not having the best year.

She moved to Dallas with her boyfriend, who ended up ditching her and running back to New York after only a few weeks. Left with a massive—by NYC standards, anyway—apartment and a car lease in the scorching Texas heat, Julia is struggling…except that’s not completely true. Running the charitable foundation of one of the most iconic high fashion department stores in the world is serious #lifegoals.

It’s more than enough to make her want to stick it out down South.

The only monkey wrench in Julia’s plans is the blue-eyed, smart-mouthed consultant the store hired to take them public. Fellow New Yorker Rocco Quinn’s first order of business? Putting Julia’s job on the chopping block.

When Julia is tasked with making sure Rocco sees how valuable the programs she runs are, she’s caught between a rock and a very hard set of abs. Because Rocco Quinn is almost impossible to hate—and even harder to resist.


Review:

Heartfelt, playful, and enticing!

Here to Stay is a heartwarming, humorous tale that transports you to Dallas, Texas and into the lives of both Julia del Mar Ortiz, a kind, compassionate, Dominican-Puerto Rican woman who after being dumped shortly after relocating to Texas from Queens is more than happy putting all her time and effort into her dream job, running the charitable foundation for Sturm’s, and Rocco Quinn, an Italian-Irish, handsome, young man tasked with helping Sturm’s get ready to go public and potentially recommending chopping those parts of the company, such as their charitable foundation, that may be an unnecessary expense to the companies bottom line.

The writing is sensual and light. The characters are intelligent, kind, considerate, inclusive, and endearing. And the plot is a push-pull tale full of workplace drama, familial responsibility, witty banter, tender moments, expectations, goals, friendship, diversity, compromise, chemistry, and love.

Overall, Here to Stay is another sweet, passionate, satisfying novel by Herrera that’s more than just a typical enemies-to-more rom-com with its abundance of culture and tradition, social consciousness, and timely perspective.

 

This book is available on August 25, 2020.

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

      

 

 

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

 

About Adriana Herrera

Adriana Herrera was born and raised in the Caribbean, but for the last 15 years has let her job (and her spouse) take her all over the world. She loves writing stories about people who look and sound like her people, getting unapologetic happy endings.

Her debut novel, American Dreamer, has been featured on Entertainment Weekly, NPR, the TODAY Show on NBC and was selected as one ALA Booklist's Top Ten Debut Romances of 2019.

When she's not dreaming up love stories, planning logistically complex vacations with her family or hunting for discount Broadway tickets, she’s a social worker in New York City, working with survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

Photograph courtesy of Author's Website.

#BookReview High Heat (Hotshots #2) by Annabeth Albert @AnnabethAlbert @CarinaPress @HarlequinBooks @Bookclubbish #HarlequinPublicityTeam #HotshotsSeries

#BookReview High Heat (Hotshots #2) by Annabeth Albert @AnnabethAlbert @CarinaPress @HarlequinBooks @Bookclubbish #HarlequinPublicityTeam #HotshotsSeries Title: High Heat

Author: Annabeth Albert

Series: Hotshots #2

Published by: Carina Press on Jul. 27, 2020

Genres: Contemporary Romance, LGBTQIA

Pages: 352

Format: Paperback

Source: Carina Press, Harlequin Books

Book Rating: 8/10

Annabeth Albert’s Hotshots series continues—the emotions and intensity of Chicago Fire with the raw, natural elements of Man vs. Wild .

Smoke jumping is Garrick Nelson’s life. Nothing, not severe injuries nor the brutal physical therapy that follows, is going to stop him from getting back with his crew. But when a lost dog shows up on his front porch, he can’t turn her away, and he can’t take care of her on his own. Thankfully, help comes in the form of his new sexy, dog-loving neighbor. As they work together, trying to re-home their little princess, Garrick can’t resist his growing attraction for the other man, even though he knows this guy isn’t the staying type.

Rain Fisher doesn’t take anything too seriously. He dances through life, one adventure at a time, never settling in one place for too long. When his hot, conveniently buff, neighbor shows up on his doorstep, dog in tow, Rain’s determined to not just save the adorable puppy, but her reluctant owner as well. He never expects their flirtation might tempt him into stay put once and for all…


Review:

Heartfelt, sensual, and slow-burning!

High Heat is a lighthearted, passionate romance featuring the young, free-spirited, Rain and the wounded, disheartened Garrick as they discover that together they can tackle any obstacles, challenges, and struggles that may come their way both personally and professionally.

The prose is tender and sweet. The characters are genuine, driven, and supportive. And the plot is an alluring tale filled with longing, desire, doubt, angst, danger, trust, communication, physical disabilities, injury recuperation, compassion, friendship, and love.

Overall, High Heat is a sweet, steamy, emotive read by Albert that does a wonderful job of highlighting the continuous physical and psychological battles faced by those who have suffered a spinal cord injury and is a fantastic addition to the Hot Shots series.

 

This book is available now.

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

           

 

 

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.

#BookReview Hate Crush by Angelina M. Lopez @AngelinaMLo @CarinaPress @HarlequinBooks #HarlequinPublicityTeam #FilthyRichSeries #HateCrush

#BookReview Hate Crush by Angelina M. Lopez @AngelinaMLo @CarinaPress @HarlequinBooks #HarlequinPublicityTeam #FilthyRichSeries #HateCrush Title: Hate Crush

Author: Angelina M. Lopez

Series: Filthy Rich #2

Published by: Carina Press on Jun. 30, 2020

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 384

Format: Paperback

Source: Harlequin Books

Book Rating: 8/10

A fake relationship could help Princesa Sofia save her kingdom. Only problem: she’ll have to fake it with the man who broke her heart.

Ten years ago, wild child Princesa Sofia Maria Isabel de Esperanza y Santos fell in fast crazy love with heartbreaker Aish Salinger during one California harvest season. Now, all grown up and with the future of her kingdom on her shoulders, she hates him as passionately as she once loved him.

Even if her body hasn’t gotten the hate memo.

Faking a relationship with the now-famous rock star for the press and public will ensure the success of her new winery and the prosperity of her kingdom. All she has to do is grit her teeth and bear his tattooed presence in her village and winery—her home—for a month.

Trying to recover from his own scandal, fallen superstar Aish Salinger jumps at the chance to be near Sofia again. Leaving her was the biggest mistake he’s ever made, and he’s waited ten years to win her back.

He never counted on finding a woman who despised him so much she didn’t want to be anywhere near him.

A war of wills breaks out as the princess and rock star battle to control their fake relationship. She wants to dictate every action to keep him away from her. He wants to be as close as he can be. She’s already lost so much because of Aish—he won’t be the reason her people lose even more.

But he also won’t make her break her life’s most important vow: to never fall in love again.

Read Filthy Rich book one, Lush Money, available now from Carina Press!


Review:

Seductive, satisfying, and dramatic!

Hate Crush is a passionate, second-chance romance featuring the sexy, infamous, rockstar Aish who’s still hopelessly in love with the one woman he let get away ten-years ago, and the intelligent, stubborn Princesa Sofia who’s willing to do whatever it takes to make her vineyard a success even fake date the one man who shattered her heart.

The writing is fluid and smooth. The characters are wounded, hardworking, and dependable. And the plot is a heartwarming tale of life, love, friendship, family, heartbreak, jealousy, community, expectations, fame, undeniable attraction, sizzling chemistry, awkward moments, genuine emotion, romance, and winemaking.

Overall, Hate Crush is an angsty, tender, entertaining read by Lopez that is definitely a wonderful addition to the Filthy Rich series with its intriguing cast of characters, unique setting, and push-pull storyline.

 

This book will be available on June 30, 2020.

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

            

 

 

Thank you to Harlequin Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Angelina M. Lopez

Angelina M. Lopez writes sexy, contemporary stories about strong women and the confident men lucky to fall in love with them. She has been writing professionally her whole life: first as a journalist for an acclaimed city newspaper, then as a freelance magazine writer and a content marketer for small businesses, and now as a romance author. She lives with her family outside of Washington, D.C.

Photograph courtesy of Author's Goodreads Page.

#BookReview Burn Zone (Hotshots #1) by Annabeth Albert @AnnabethAlbert @CarinaPress @HarlequinBooks @Bookclubbish #HarlequinPublicityTeam #HotshotsSeries

#BookReview Burn Zone (Hotshots #1) by Annabeth Albert @AnnabethAlbert @CarinaPress @HarlequinBooks @Bookclubbish #HarlequinPublicityTeam #HotshotsSeries Title: Burn Zone

Author: Annabeth Albert

Series: Hotshots #1

Published by: Carina Press on Apr. 27, 2020

Genres: Contemporary Romance, LGBTQIA

Pages: 336

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Carina Press, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8/10

Danger lurks everywhere for Central Oregon’s fire crews, but the biggest risk of all might be losing their hearts…

Smoke jumper Lincoln Reid is speechless to see Jacob Hartman among his squad’s new recruits. Linc had promised his late best friend he’d stay away from his little brother. And yet here Jacob is…and almost instantly, the same temptation Linc has always felt around him is causing way too many problems.

Jacob gets everyone’s concerns, but he’s waited years for his shot at joining the elite smoke jumping team, hoping to honor his brother’s memory. He’s ready to tackle any challenge Linc throws his way, and senses the chemistry between them—chemistry Linc insists on ignoring—is still alive and kicking. This time, Jacob’s determined to get what he wants.

Close quarters and high stakes make it difficult for Linc to keep his resolve, never mind do so while also making sure the rookie’s safe. But the closer they get, the more Linc’s plan to leave at the end of the season risks him breaking another promise: the one his heart wants to make to Jacob.


Review:

Seductive, tender, and timely!

Burn Zone is a steamy, engrossing firefighter romance that features the lonely, closeted Linc, and the fun-loving, younger Jacob as they engage in a love affair strife with issues of insecurities, hidden sexuality, promises made, and workplace fraternization.

The prose is passionate and sincere. The characters are well-drawn, rugged, and sexy. And the plot sweeps you away into a fervent storyline filled with friendship, family, light drama, danger, smouldering chemistry, explosive heat, romance, as well as an inside look into the expectations, pressures, and challenges of being a smokejumper.

Overall, Burn Zone is a sweet, provocative, heartwarming tale about teamwork, love, communication, and taking chances. It is a fabulous start to the new Hotshots series by Albert that has solidified once again why she’s one of my all-time favourite authors.

 

This book is available now.

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

          

 

 

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.

#BookReview American Sweethearts (Dreamers #4) by Adriana Herrera @ladrianaherrera @CarinaPress @HarlequinBooks @Bookclubbish #HarlequinPublicityTeam #DreamersSeries

#BookReview American Sweethearts (Dreamers #4) by Adriana Herrera @ladrianaherrera @CarinaPress @HarlequinBooks @Bookclubbish #HarlequinPublicityTeam #DreamersSeries Title: American Sweethearts

Author: Adriana Herrera

Series: Dreamers #4

Published by: Carina Press on Mar. 31, 2020

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 288

Format: Paperback

Source: Harlequin Books

Book Rating: 8.5/10

Juan Pablo Campos doesn’t do regrets. He’s living the dream as a physical therapist with his beloved New York Yankees. He has the best friends and family in the world and simply no time to dwell on what could’ve been.

Except when it comes to Priscilla, the childhood friend he’s loved for what seems like forever.

New York City police detective Priscilla Gutierrez has never been afraid to go after what she wants. Second guessing herself isn’t a thing she does. But lately, the once-clear vision she had for herself—her career, her relationships, her life—is no longer what she wants.

What she especially doesn’t want is to be stuck on a private jet to the Dominican Republic with JuanPa, the one person who knows her better than anyone else.

By the end of a single week in paradise, the love/hate thing JuanPa and Pris have been doing for sixteen years has risen to epic proportions. No one can argue their connection is still there. And they can both finally admit—if only to themselves—they’ve always been a perfect match. The future they dreamed of together is still within reach…if they can just accept each other as they are.

This book is approximately 90,000 words

One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!


Review:

Progressive, timely, and downright steamy!

American Sweethearts is a passionate, second-chance romance between the intelligent, delectable Juan Pablo and the spirited, unfulfilled Priscilla as they discover that even though they’ve been stubborn and let each other go multiple times in the past, the heart wants who the heart wants, and a love like theirs is definitely worth fighting for.

The writing is titillating and light. The characters are kind, supportive, genuine, and open-minded. And the plot is a push-pull tale full of miscommunication, introspection, patience, acceptance, encouragement, love, friendship, family, diversity, community, and culture.

Overall, American Sweethearts is a sexy, sweet, uplifting tale by Herrera with a whole cast of characters you can’t help but fall in love with, an inclusive, diverse storyline that will keep you engaged, and a happy-ever-after ending that will make you swoon.

 

This book is available on March 31, 2020.

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

            

 

 

Thank you to Harlequin Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Adriana Herrera

Adriana Herrera was born and raised in the Caribbean, but for the last 15 years has let her job (and her spouse) take her all over the world. She loves writing stories about people who look and sound like her people, getting unapologetic happy endings.

Her debut novel, American Dreamer, has been featured on Entertainment Weekly, NPR, the TODAY Show on NBC and was selected as one ALA Booklist's Top Ten Debut Romances of 2019.

When she's not dreaming up love stories, planning logistically complex vacations with her family or hunting for discount Broadway tickets, she’s a social worker in New York City, working with survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

Photograph courtesy of Author's Website.

#BookReview Tough Guy by Rachel Reid @akaRachelReid @CarinaPress

#BookReview Tough Guy by Rachel Reid @akaRachelReid @CarinaPress Title: Tough Guy

Author: Rachel Reid

Series: Game Changers #3

Published by: Carina Press on Jan. 13, 2020

Genres: Contemporary Romance, LGBTQIA

Pages: 262

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Carina Press, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8.5/10

They have nothing in common—so why does Ryan feel most like himself whenever he’s with Fabian?

Pro hockey star Ryan Price may be an enforcer, but off the ice he struggles with anxiety. Recently traded to the Toronto Guardians, he’s determined to make a fresh start in the city’s dynamic LGBTQ Village. The last thing he expects to stumble upon in his new neighborhood is a blast from his past in the fabulous form of Fabian Salah.

Aspiring musician Fabian loathes hockey. But that doesn’t stop him from being attracted to a certain burly, ginger-bearded defenseman. He hasn’t forgotten the kiss they almost shared back in high school, and it’s clear the chemistry between them has only intensified.

Fabian is more than happy to be Ryan’s guide to the gay scene in Toronto. Between dance clubs and art exhibits—and the most amazing sex—Ryan’s starting to feel something he hasn’t experienced in a long time: joy. But playing the role of the heavy on the ice has taken its toll on his body and mind, and a future with Fabian may mean hanging up his skates for good.


Review:

Sensitive, alluring, and heartfelt!

In this third novel in the Game Changers series, Tough Guy, Reid gives us a slightly more emotional tale about the shy, troubled, anxious Ryan who is struggling to come to terms with a life and career that no longer makes him happy, and the fun-loving, talented Fabian who lives boldly and loves fully.

The prose is smooth and seductive. The characters are open, honest, and committed. And the plot is an alluring, pensive tale of longing, desire, angst, doubt, anxiety, compassion, support, friendship, love, and hockey.

Overall, Tough Guy is a deliciously steamy, heartwarming novel about two unique, seemingly incompatible men who finally find the solace, sensitivity, tolerance, tenderness, and intimacy they need in each other.

 

This novel is available now.

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

             

 

 

 

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

 

About Rachel Reid

Rachel Reid is the pen name of Rachelle Goguen. She chose it because it is much easier to say, spell and remember than Rachelle Goguen!

Rachel writes cute, romantic smut, mostly about hockey players.

Rachelle co-hosts a comic book podcast called Living Between Wednesdays.

Rachel/Rachelle lives in Nova Scotia, Canada. She has always lived there, and it's looking like she probably always will. She has two boring degrees and two interesting kids.

#BookReview Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid @akaRachelReid @CarinaPress

#BookReview Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid @akaRachelReid @CarinaPress Title: Heated Rivalry

Author: Rachel Reid

Series: Game Changers #2

Published by: Carina Press on Mar. 25, 2019

Genres: Contemporary Romance, LGBTQIA

Pages: 310

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Carina Press, NetGalley

Book Rating: 10/10

Nothing interferes with Shane Hollander’s game—definitely not the sexy rival he loves to hate.

Pro hockey star Shane Hollander isn’t just crazy talented, he’s got a spotless reputation. Hockey is his life. Now that he’s captain of the Montreal Voyageurs, he won’t let anything jeopardize that, especially the sexy Russian whose hard body keeps him awake at night.

Boston Bears captain Ilya Rozanov is everything Shane’s not. The self-proclaimed king of the ice, he’s as cocky as he is talented. No one can beat him—except Shane. They’ve made a career on their legendary rivalry, but when the skates come off, the heat between them is undeniable. When Ilya realizes he wants more than a few secret hookups, he knows he must walk away. The risk is too great.

As their attraction intensifies, they struggle to keep their relationship out of the public eye. If the truth comes out, it could ruin them both. But when their need for each other rivals their ambition on the ice, secrecy is no longer an option…


Review:

Steamy, emotional, and alluring!

In this second novel in the Game Changers series, Heated Rivalry, Reid gives us a sweet and spicy, enemies-to-more romance that highlights the struggles and hardships of falling in love with someone of the same sex when you’re a professional athlete.

The prose is tender and titillating. The characters are bold, driven, and charming. And the plot is a sultry, push-pull tale full of sexual innuendoes, red-hot chemistry, flirty banter, familial drama, friendship, competition, support, acceptance, love and hockey.

Overall, Heated Rivalry is a smoldering, tantalizing novel that reminds us that sometimes you have to follow your heart regardless of the consequences and is a fabulous addition to a series that is, undoubtedly, quickly becoming one of my all-time favourites.

This novel is available now.

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

                   

 

 

 

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

 

About Rachel Reid

Rachel Reid is the pen name of Rachelle Goguen. She chose it because it is much easier to say, spell and remember than Rachelle Goguen!

Rachel writes cute, romantic smut, mostly about hockey players.

Rachelle co-hosts a comic book podcast called Living Between Wednesdays.

Rachel/Rachelle lives in Nova Scotia, Canada. She has always lived there, and it's looking like she probably always will. She has two boring degrees and two interesting kids.