Showing posts with label Contemporary list. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Contemporary list. Show all posts
Book 7 of the Carter Brothers series is AVAILABLE NOW!
Find it here: https://amzn.to/4ea331D
Find it here: https://amzn.to/4ea331D
YOLO by Lani Lynn Vale
Rating -
Book 7 of Carter Brothers
Release - November 1, 2024
Genre - Contemporary Romance / instalove
POV - dual 1st person
Heat - explicit
Source - ARC provided by the author (Thanks GiveMeBooks PR)
Length - 268 pages
Garrett Carter knew the moment he saw her years prior that she was the one.
His one, however, had a fiancé. And she was rich. She also lived out of state.
So what other option did he have but to let her go?
Years later, he sees her again at her worst.
Her husband-to-be has stranded her on a hiking trail with a head wound, convinced she’s faking her blindness.
Garrett takes one look at the injured Bindi Howe and knows there’s no way she’s faking it.
Rushing her to the hospital, he gets her there just in time to save her life.
During the craziness, Garrett has no clue it’s her—his one.
He leaves her there with her family and goes back home to his lonely life.
Only fate intervenes for him a third time, and it’s then that Garrett decides that he’s going to go for it.
But, like always, life intervenes, and he’s forced to leave her behind once again to keep her safe.
As luck would have it, fate gives him one last shot, and brings them together one last time, and Garrett refuses to let her go, despite Bindi’s fiancé coming back begging for a second chance.
His one, however, had a fiancé. And she was rich. She also lived out of state.
So what other option did he have but to let her go?
Years later, he sees her again at her worst.
Her husband-to-be has stranded her on a hiking trail with a head wound, convinced she’s faking her blindness.
Garrett takes one look at the injured Bindi Howe and knows there’s no way she’s faking it.
Rushing her to the hospital, he gets her there just in time to save her life.
During the craziness, Garrett has no clue it’s her—his one.
He leaves her there with her family and goes back home to his lonely life.
Only fate intervenes for him a third time, and it’s then that Garrett decides that he’s going to go for it.
But, like always, life intervenes, and he’s forced to leave her behind once again to keep her safe.
As luck would have it, fate gives him one last shot, and brings them together one last time, and Garrett refuses to let her go, despite Bindi’s fiancé coming back begging for a second chance.
I loved this book so much!
There was a serendipitous nature to their relationship and it came off as so endearing.
The author gives us more than a glimpse of how their bond evolved from friendship to romance and it seemed so organic that I couldn't help falling in love with both of them as they fell in love with each other.
Garrett had a healthy fear of bringing danger to Bindi's life and she feared making his life even more complicated. But they complemented each other so well that their move from friendship to even more seemed so easy. The drama was there, as expected, but they were solid in what they had together that I had no worries about how they would handle anything that came their way.
Again, I loved this book. I loved ALL of the characters (aside from the obvious bad ones) and I'm looking forward to whatever comes next from this author.
Lani Lynn Vale is an American author of humorous romantic suspense novels. Born in the Great State of Texas, she has lived the majority of her adult life in East Texas where most of her novels are based. She’s married to her high school sweetheart whom her readers refer to as “LLV’s Bearded Half.” She published her first novel, Boomtown. in the summer of 2013 after the birth of her third child. She’s gone on to publish over 100 novels, with most of them going on to become USA Today bestsellers.
Visit https://lanilynnvale.com for more information.
The Sugar Bowl series is a contemporary romance with a revenge theme.
The author lists it as romantic suspense, but I think differently.
It's dual perspective with explicit content. Be warned that there is an assault trigger for those who prefer to avoid those.
Hopefully my reviews of these books inspires someone to give them a try.
Sugar Daddy
Sela Halstead lost her innocence in a way that no sixteen-year-old should ever have to endure. She’s spent years trying to forget that night even while wondering about the identities of the monsters who brutalized her—until a telltale tattoo flashes across Sela’s TV screen. The incriminating ink belongs to Jonathon Townsend, the millionaire founder of The Sugar Bowl, a website that matches rich older men with impressionable young women. Obsessed with revenge, Sela infiltrates Townsend’s world, only to come face-to-face with a tantalizing complication: Beckett North, his charismatic business partner.
The tech mastermind behind The Sugar Bowl, Beck always gets what he wants, in business and in bed. And yet, for a man who’s done every dirty thing imaginable, there’s something about the naïve, fresh-faced Sela that sparks his hottest fantasies. Because with her, it’s not just about sex. Beck opens up to her in ways he never has with other girls. So why does he get the feeling that she’s hiding something? In a world of pleasure and power, the shocking truth could turn them against each other—or bind them forever.
Rating -
I love a good revenge plot and while Sela's plan was absolutely nuts, I was ride-or-die. We'll go down together, girl!
There was something special about the relationship that grew between Beck and Sela. I don't know how she was able to do it, because anyone in J.T.'s orbit would be off-limits for me, but I guess the vengeance fire was blazing hot within her, blocking out the discomfort and fear.
Beck's blindness to everything that was J.T. drove me crazy. I didn't know if I should laugh or cry.
The cliffhanger was predictable and although Beck's reaction was very dramatic, I couldn't blame him.
I love a good revenge plot and while Sela's plan was absolutely nuts, I was ride-or-die. We'll go down together, girl!
There was something special about the relationship that grew between Beck and Sela. I don't know how she was able to do it, because anyone in J.T.'s orbit would be off-limits for me, but I guess the vengeance fire was blazing hot within her, blocking out the discomfort and fear.
Beck's blindness to everything that was J.T. drove me crazy. I didn't know if I should laugh or cry.
The cliffhanger was predictable and although Beck's reaction was very dramatic, I couldn't blame him.
Sugar Rush
After posing as an escort for the Sugar Bowl online dating service, Sela Halstead is looking for one thing: payback. She's closing in on the site's heartless founder, Jonathon Townsend, and she needs Beckett North, Townsend's business partner and her lover, by her side. She'd thought that their intimate nights together had forged an unbreakable bond, but after a shocking betrayal, Sela begins to doubt the brilliant bad boy. When push comes to shove, can she trust Beck to do the right thing?
Now that he understands the truth, Beck will stop at nothing to secure the reckoning Sela deserves. But between his desire for her and his disgust for JT, Beck doesn't exactly have a lot of control over his emotional state. Left with no other choice, he must summon all his discipline to maintain JT's trust and pretend that they're still friends. But how far will Beck go to prove his loyalty to Sela? He nearly lost her once. To keep her, Beck might have to kill for her.
Rating -
Aww Beck. That immediate regret was real. I love how he humbled himself and got on the right side of things, despite the history he shared with J.T.
The truth of his relationship with J.T. kind of devastated me and I wish that it was explored more.
Was I the only one who still wished that Sela followed through with her original plan?
The ending conflict was well done and I don't feel terrible about it at all. It was about time! I just hope Sela can get out of her own way so that she and Beck can find some happiness on the other side.
Aww Beck. That immediate regret was real. I love how he humbled himself and got on the right side of things, despite the history he shared with J.T.
The truth of his relationship with J.T. kind of devastated me and I wish that it was explored more.
Was I the only one who still wished that Sela followed through with her original plan?
The ending conflict was well done and I don't feel terrible about it at all. It was about time! I just hope Sela can get out of her own way so that she and Beck can find some happiness on the other side.
Sugar Free
For years Sela Halstead dreamed of revenge, but the quest for payback has been anything but sweet. Now, once again, she finds herself at the mercy of Jonathon Townsend, his hands crushing the very breath from her body. And even though she escapes with her life, Sela fears she may never recover. In desperate need of shelter and comfort, she runs to the one man she can trust. Beckett North has stood by Sela since the beginning. But can he handle the brutal truth?
Beck will do anything to protect what is his—and make no mistake, Sela belongs to him, heart and soul. The passion between them runs hot, even as their world begins to unravel. With the legacy of his ruthless business partner hanging in the balance, Beck stands to lose everything: his fortune, his family, his freedom. But each touch of Sela’s mouth on his skin, her nails down his back, makes it harder to let her go—and it might not even be his choice to make.
Rating -
Please save us all from Sela's foolishness. At least I was entertained.
Beck really stepped up in this book and I'm in love with the man he has become for Sela. He was so strong for her, being her ear and her protector. He was just so amazing!!
I'm not a huge fan of the ending, though I did appreciate how much of an ending we got. It's great that they got a happy ending (thanks Dennis), but it fell flat for me. It was like a quick wrap up to the dangling bits when those pieces needed a bit more time.
Or maybe I'm just greedy.
Please save us all from Sela's foolishness. At least I was entertained.
Beck really stepped up in this book and I'm in love with the man he has become for Sela. He was so strong for her, being her ear and her protector. He was just so amazing!!
I'm not a huge fan of the ending, though I did appreciate how much of an ending we got. It's great that they got a happy ending (thanks Dennis), but it fell flat for me. It was like a quick wrap up to the dangling bits when those pieces needed a bit more time.
Or maybe I'm just greedy.
Hello and Happy Wednesday. I hope your week is off to a great start!
I'm sharing three books I read and quite enjoyed and maybe you'll find something here to read too!
After the Climb by Kristen Ashley
dual pov, vaguely descriptive heat, second chance contemporary romance
They were the Three Amigos: Duncan Holloway, Imogen Swan and Corey Szabo. Two young boys with difficult lives at home banding together with a cool girl who didn’t mind mucking through the mud on their hikes.
They grew up to be Duncan Holloway, activist, CEO and face of the popular River Rain outdoor stores, Imogen Swan, award-winning actress and America’s sweetheart, and Corey Szabo, ruthless tech billionaire.
Rich and very famous, they would learn the devastating knowledge of how the selfish acts of one would affect all their lives.
And the lives of those they loved.
Rating -
After the Climb is a heartbreaking tale full of heartbroken characters. I loved the way they loved each other but the struggle was real. All it took was one lie, some insecurity, and everyone was left devastated. While I felt Duncan's pain, and even found a crumb of sympathy for Corey (dude needed to grow up), my greatest empathy was for Imogen. She was hit the worst and the hits didn't stop coming for her.
When the truth came out, I liked that Imogen and Duncan didn't waste any time and how on board their children were with the new plan. Even stepping in to help things along. Can these characters be any cuter?
I know I'm supposed to have some sort of feelings for the exes, but they made their beds, didn't they? And I don't think it's possible to redeem either of them, especially Tom. Spoiler Alert, but he's a cheater. Can we really forgive that he put Imogen and their children through that?
I'm just saying that the only happy endings I cared about were Imogen's and Duncan's. And maybe their kids because they were awesome.
After the Climb is a heartbreaking tale full of heartbroken characters. I loved the way they loved each other but the struggle was real. All it took was one lie, some insecurity, and everyone was left devastated. While I felt Duncan's pain, and even found a crumb of sympathy for Corey (dude needed to grow up), my greatest empathy was for Imogen. She was hit the worst and the hits didn't stop coming for her.
When the truth came out, I liked that Imogen and Duncan didn't waste any time and how on board their children were with the new plan. Even stepping in to help things along. Can these characters be any cuter?
I know I'm supposed to have some sort of feelings for the exes, but they made their beds, didn't they? And I don't think it's possible to redeem either of them, especially Tom. Spoiler Alert, but he's a cheater. Can we really forgive that he put Imogen and their children through that?
I'm just saying that the only happy endings I cared about were Imogen's and Duncan's. And maybe their kids because they were awesome.
Fatal Intrusion by Jeffrey Deaver and Isabella Maldonado
multiple pov, thriller
Carmen Sanchez is a tough Homeland Security agent who plays by the rules. But when her sister is attacked, revealing a connection to a series of murders across Southern California, she realizes a conventional investigation will not be enough to stop the ruthless perpetrator.
With nowhere else to turn, Sanchez enlists the aid of Professor Jake Heron, a brilliant and quirky private security expert who, unlike Sanchez, believes rules are merely suggestions. The two have a troubled past, but he owes her a favor and she’s cashing in. They team up to catch the assailant, who, mystifyingly, has no discernable motive and fits no classic criminal profile. All they have to go on is a distinctive tattoo and a singular obsession that gives this chillingly efficient tactician his nickname: Spider.
Over the next seventy-two hours, Sanchez and Heron find themselves in the midst of a lethal chess match with the killer as they race to stop the carnage. As the victims mount, so do the risks. Because this spider’s web of intrigue is more sinister—and goes far deeper—than anyone could possibly anticipate.
Rating -
If I never read the word intrusion again in the near future, I'll be a happy person.
But seriously, this was such an intriguing whodunit thriller. As the reader, we got to know who committed the crimes, but we were blind as to why. Not as blind as the investigators, possibly because Carmen couldn't help being in the way and Jake just let her ruthlessly run rough-shod over everyone, but still. Trying to figure out the motives for each crime was its own sort of fun. And crazy. I enjoyed myself and where this story left off, with the possibility of future books. And maybe a little romance between these characters thrown in?
If I never read the word intrusion again in the near future, I'll be a happy person.
But seriously, this was such an intriguing whodunit thriller. As the reader, we got to know who committed the crimes, but we were blind as to why. Not as blind as the investigators, possibly because Carmen couldn't help being in the way and Jake just let her ruthlessly run rough-shod over everyone, but still. Trying to figure out the motives for each crime was its own sort of fun. And crazy. I enjoyed myself and where this story left off, with the possibility of future books. And maybe a little romance between these characters thrown in?
Love Me Today by A.L. Jackson
dual pov, forced proximity, single parent, contemporary romance, descriptive heat
I should have known I was in trouble when I backed my old, beat-up truck into the shiny Range Rover.
The driver looked like a gorgeous fallen angel – one who’d been booted right out of paradise for being a giant prick.
Good thing I’ll never have to see him again.
Except when I show up for my new job to teach a little girl how to ride her horse, I find the same icy blue eyes glaring back at me.
Paisley Dae is completely reckless. She’s also the best trainer in this small town. And Evelyn gets the best.
Protecting the little girl is my one focus.
Only the sassy trainer in her cut-offs and cowgirl boots quickly gets under my skin. Distractions are dangerous, but she soon becomes everything I crave.
One reckless night of giving in, and Caleb and I spiral into a web of passion.
But when I begin to unravel the secrets hiding in this place, I find there is more riding on this job than I thought.
Caleb and Evelyn are worth any sacrifice – only Caleb has to decide what he will sacrifice for me
Rating - 1/2
Caleb was a tough nut to crack, but as the reader, we got some insight into why he was such a grumpy sourpuss. Paisley had to figure it out for herself and I admired her perseverance because I wouldn't do it. The romance would be over if I were in the lead.
This story led me on a path of sweetness and I never expected how sinister and dangerous it would become. The author really took me there and I loved that added bit of suspense.
It was the heartwarming moments that made this book worth reading. The relationship that grew between Paisley and Caleb and that sweet little girl made all of the scary bits worthwhile.
1/2Caleb was a tough nut to crack, but as the reader, we got some insight into why he was such a grumpy sourpuss. Paisley had to figure it out for herself and I admired her perseverance because I wouldn't do it. The romance would be over if I were in the lead.
This story led me on a path of sweetness and I never expected how sinister and dangerous it would become. The author really took me there and I loved that added bit of suspense.
It was the heartwarming moments that made this book worth reading. The relationship that grew between Paisley and Caleb and that sweet little girl made all of the scary bits worthwhile.
Rent Free by Lani Lynn Vale
Rating -
1/2Book 5 of Carter Brothers
Release - September 10, 2024
Genre - Contemporary Romance / enemies to lovers
POV - Dual 1st person
Heat - explicit
Source - eARC provided by GIVE ME BOOKS PR
Length - 259 pages
Fuck me for choosing the wrong sister.
Atlas Carter was a protector. He was a police officer, had spent years in the Air Force, spent his entire teen years as a volunteer firefighter.
Being a protector was in his blood.
It was his dream.
So when a woman was in a dangerous situation, it was his every instinct to protect her. To shield her. To watch over her.
Only, that woman had played him.
She’d set him up.
She’d made sure that he only saw her.
Then, when the real woman who should hold his heart, the sister, comes into his life, he doesn’t see past the hatred of her to know that she’s only trying to protect him in return.
He spends the next year terrorizing the woman who’s supposed to be his. When the dust finally settles, and he can see clearly once again, she’s no longer there waiting for him.
Atlas Carter was a protector. He was a police officer, had spent years in the Air Force, spent his entire teen years as a volunteer firefighter.
Being a protector was in his blood.
It was his dream.
So when a woman was in a dangerous situation, it was his every instinct to protect her. To shield her. To watch over her.
Only, that woman had played him.
She’d set him up.
She’d made sure that he only saw her.
Then, when the real woman who should hold his heart, the sister, comes into his life, he doesn’t see past the hatred of her to know that she’s only trying to protect him in return.
He spends the next year terrorizing the woman who’s supposed to be his. When the dust finally settles, and he can see clearly once again, she’s no longer there waiting for him.
Previous books in the series:
No Cap * I Can't Even * Thirst Trap * Clap Back
No Cap * I Can't Even * Thirst Trap * Clap Back
Pepper was misunderstood and Atlas was an oblivious fool. He remains that way for much of this story, but there was no denying the chemistry between these characters. And when he finally woke up, he dove right in and I became his number one cheerleader!
I loved Pepper immediately and wanted her to only have great things. She had to put up with a lot and I kept thinking there were better ways to live, but my solutions wouldn't have helped this story and I get that. How her sister became a police officer, I'll never know, but it made me laugh uncontrollably.
Seriously? Did the police department not have a competent psych eval? Were the people of their community not discerning or skeptical?
I enjoyed this story so much, even the drama-filled bits that made me chuckle. The feelings were what mattered most and there was no doubt that Atlas and Pepper had those in abundance.
Lani Lynn Vale is an American author of humorous romantic suspense novels. Born in the Great State of Texas, she has lived the majority of her adult life in East Texas where most of her novels are based. She’s married to her high school sweetheart whom her readers refer to as “LLV’s Bearded Half.” She published her first novel, Boomtown. in the summer of 2013 after the birth of her third child. She’s gone on to publish over 100 novels, with most of them going on to become USA Today bestsellers.
Visit https://lanilynnvale.com for more information.
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