Category: Friends-To-Lovers

2020 ARCs, 5 STAR, Angsty, Friends-To-Lovers, Insta Love, MUST READS!, September 2020 Reviews, Slow Burn, Small Town Romance

R E V I E W ➠ Good Enough by Kelly Elliott

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(Meet Me in Montana #3)
GOODREADS
AUTHOR WEBSITE

After her mother died in a car accident when she was only five, and her father was determined not to show any emotions toward his only daughter, Timberlynn longs for a normal family. What she hadn’t planned on was finding that family in Hamilton, Montana—thousands of miles away from everything she’s ever known in Atlanta, Georgia. She certainly didn’t plan on falling for Tanner Shaw. A handsome, charming, cowboy who swept her off her feet the moment he looked at her with eyes the color of the Montana sky
Tanner Shaw was lost and confused…living a life without purpose, traveling between one city to the next. With a longing desire for something he could not quite pinpoint, he heads back to his hometown in Montana to spend Christmas with his family and clear his clouded head. One look at Timberlynn standing in his family’s kitchen, and his entire world is turned upside down. Or was it
For once in his life, Tanner knew exactly what he wanted and was determined to prove to the only woman he had ever loved that what they shared was worth the risk. But winning Timberlynn Holden’s heart wasn’t going to be as easy as he thought. Can Tanner finally rope in the woman he loves, or will he be unable to help her mend her broken heart?

RELEASE DATE: October 6, 2020

Not ym first read by the author, she happens to be one of my favorite author and also I ahve read all of her books including the previous 2 in this series!

I thought book 1 was m favorite in the series but THIS ONE TOOK THE CAKE! WOW! The insta-love connection was so dang beautiful here. Timberlynn is a woman that came from a rough past and what she has gone through, will have you reaching for your heart for her. Tanner might be the one that’s left so to say but after realizing what his brother’s have, he was hoping there would be someone out there for him. He is patient, handsome, sexy, sweet, fun and smart. Everything you want in a hero, so when these two get together is EXPLODING in the chemistry section. Everything about this from the slow-burn to the heartfelt touches, kisses…I loved!

Rating: 5 out of 5.

A MUST READ!
Romance: ♡♡♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: NA
Standalone/Series: Book 3 in Series
Type: All Tags on top of this page!
Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY ☑

2020 ARCs, 5 STAR, Biker Romance, Friends-To-Lovers, MUST READS!, September 2020 Reviews, Sizzling, Slow Burn, Suspense Romance, Tear Jerker

R E V I E W ➠ The Gritty Truth by Melissa Foster

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(The Whiskeys: Dark Knights at Peaceful Harbor #7)
GOODREADS
AUTHOR WEBSITE

Recovering drug addict Quincy Gritt has fought his demons. He’s confessed to his crimes and conquered his addictions. He’s finally ready to go after sweet, sexy Roni, the gorgeous brunette who won a date with him in a charity auction five months ago and has been putting him off, and driving him wild, ever since
Dancer Veronica “Roni” Wescott worked hard to escape the seedy area where she was raised and followed her dreams to Julliard, only to have them shattered in the blink of an eye. She fought hard and regained her footing, but then the rug was pulled out from under her again when the grandmother who raised her passed away, leaving Roni feeling adrift in a world she knows very little about outside of dance. And then there’s Charlie Hunnam–lookalike Quincy Gritt—the man whose late-night texts pulled her through her grief and have been setting her heart aflutter for months
Quincy pulls out all the stops, determined to prove that their friendship is only the beginning of what’s destined to be so much more. Romantic nights lead to smoldering passion and a deep connection too strong to be denied. But when Quincy’s past comes back to haunt him, can he and Roni accept their new gritty truth, or will Quincy spiral back into the darkness and lose the future he fought so hard to have?

RELEASE DATE: October 14, 2020

Not my first read by the author. She happens to be my top 5 favorite of authors and a very early read many moons ago. That said I have read enough of MF’s books to know that I LOVE her writing style and always look forward to her books! Also have rea d the other 6 previous books in series! This is MY FAV SERIES!

Oh my hear ton this one. I knew it was going to be emotional but I didn’t know how much. So to help out a little the hero in this is Tru’s brother from book #1. He is not only broken but lived through it. Meaning after everything both him and Tru have been through, unfortunately Quincy took a wrong turn and spend many years in his own hell. Now after 2 years of a new life for him, he is ready to move on. And wants to give it a shot with Roni, the beautiful dancer who caught his eye from day one.

Roni on the other hand, wow I mean she is strong, hurt, passionate, loving, smart and so sweet makes you want to blush with her. I absolutely loved both characters but Roni, she was something else. Coming from a broken home, she knows what it means to have lost. When these two get together it’s not just the chemistry but ALL THE FEELINGS! This heartbreaking story will put back and heal you, every feelings between Quincy and Roni is felt, make sure to have some tissue because it will get emotional. I am so happy these two got their story, and even though it was an emotional ride, I loved every minute of it!

Rating: 5 out of 5.

A MUST READ!
Romance: ♡♡♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: NA
Standalone/Series: Book 7 in Series
Type: All Tags on top of this page!
Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY ☑

2020 ARCs, 5 STAR, Biker Romance, Brother's Best Friend, Friends-To-Lovers, September 2020 Reviews, Sizzling, Suspense Romance

R E V I E W ➠ Gunner by Megan O’Brien

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(Ride Series Second Generation Book 4)
GOODREADS
AUTHOR WEBSITE

As her older brother’s best friend, Gunner Pierce has been part of Emmie Jackson’s life for just about as long as she can remember. The often arrogant, always annoying Gunner keeps his distance – except when it comes to demanding she cover up or chasing away every man who expresses the slightest interest
When Emmie is kidnapped and confronted with a life or death situation, for the first time, Gunner seems ready to acknowledge what’s been between them for longer than either would ever admit
If he can keep her alive
As Gunner’s past becomes the present, what’s important in life comes into sharp focus. Now he’ll need to convince Emmie that a future with him is worth living.

RELEASE DATE: October 6, 2020

Not my first read by the author. Little note: I read this author before I started any of this bookstagramming and blogging and fell in love with her books from books one. I can safely say that I have re-read her books enough times for me to tell you exact details in them. So was I excited to get Gunner & Emmie’s story? HECK YES!

Little background, Emmie is the daughter (adopted) from the book CAL and well that’s all I am saying for that, and Gunner has been around in since she can remember herself. That said these two were a time bomb waiting to happen. It’s a full on BIKER romance, where the hero is part of the club, patched in, important, and Emmie just happens to be shown in as they say because she was so little when she was adopted that that’s all she knows and loves. Gunner is a rough around the edges, older, closed off and has given Emmie shit since she remembers. Emmie is a woman that might be youngER but very smart, put together, mature and so sweet. After some horrible events that leave her a little dazed Gunner realizes that all this time he should have just done what his mind and heart wanted…but after more danger…will he be able to prove himself?!

This is a I would highly recommend reading the first generation books if anything at least read CAL before this because it will make much more sense in a for you put two an two together. After all this is the second generation series the kids. I was so happy for these two and can’t wait for more as always!

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Romance: ♡♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: NA
Standalone/Series: 4th Book in Series
Type: All Tags on top of this page!
Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY ☑

2020 ARCs, 5 STAR, Angsty, Friends-To-Lovers, Second Chance Romance, September 2020 Reviews, Slow Burn, Tear Jerker

R E V I E W ➠ False Start by Shanna Swenson

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(The Gods of the Gridiron, #2)
GOODREADS
AUTHOR WEBSITE

Almighty Zeus , thrower of thunderbolts… Ha
Brett “Brickhouse” McFadden may be called Zeus on the Gladiators football field, but when the man who’s been his best friend and favorite receiver for over a decade gets killed instead of him, he’s completely helpless and left to pick up the pieces Hunter “Hermes” Thomas left behind
The one and only constant in Brett’s life has always been his hidden love for his first best friend, Madison Thomas, the perfect girl he fell in love with at seven—yes, seven—years of age, who also happens to be Hunter’s widow. Love is complicated after all
Now that Hunt’s gone, Madi needs him more than she ever has, and Brett feels utterly blessed to be given this second chance, but will the shameful guilt be enough to kill him too
Madison Thomas, CEO and VP of the Atlanta Gladiators, thought her life was well-established, until the unimaginable happened; the abrupt death of her husband, Hunter. Her overdependence on her best friend, Brett, begins to intensify as the darkest days of her life follow and she finds herself bombarded with the regrets of her past…and the unavoidable attraction she’s always felt for the perfectly-sculpted “king of the gods”
As new revelations come to light, Madi starts to see that Hunter wasn’t the husband—or man—she thought he was. Now, she must storm past the FALSE START she was given and embrace the possibility of a do-over with the one she’s always wanted—Brett McFadden
Will the “god of thunder” prove to be the better contender for Hera’s heart or will this long-suffering Olympian forever remain fourth and inches from his ultimate goal line?

RELEASE DATE: September 25, 2020

Not my first read by the author and I have read Book 1 in this series also.

This is the second book in the series featuring Brett as the hero and Madison the heroine. I am always a fan of second-chance romance and this was a beautiful one. Bret’s guilt for what happened to Hunter really guts him and always hits him hard…Madi my heart breaks for her, she lost someone she loves so close to her heart, he was everything to her. So imagine the pain both hero and heroine feel going on with life, trying to move on. This was so heartbreaking in all the levels because both have suffered a loss heck Madi suffered it double it feels…so it takes time, time to heal right! Together is the key word here, together they heel one another, it’s a slow burn but a sweet slow burn of two people who find solace in one another and when they become one, it’s so beautiful will make your heart soar.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Romance: ♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: NA
Standalone/Series: Book 2 Series
Type: All Tags on top of this page!
Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY ☑

2020 ARCs, 5 STAR, Friends-To-Lovers, September 2020 Reviews, Sizzling, Slow Burn, Small Town Romance

R E V I E W ➠ Perfect Wreckage by Catherine Cowles

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(Wrecked #2)
GOODREADS
AUTHOR WEBSITE

My past taught me to play it safe.
To stay far away from handsome men who promised it all.
My life was good without them. Stable, secure, predictable
But one kiss showed me that I’d been playing it safe for far too long.
One night, and all I wanted was more of his wildfire.
One challenge and my carefully constructed walls tumbled down
Amidst the rubble, I realized there was more to this man than I ever dreamed.
When everything fell apart, he showed me what it meant to stay.
How to truly live.
But when my demons return, that life might end up shorter than either of us expected…

RELEASE DATE: September 22, 2020

Not my first read by the author and I have read the previous book in this series also! This author does the best SMALL TOWN romance!

Crosby is a man that lives care free, gives it it’s all. He is a attorney that is great at what he does. Kenna the heroine is a persist woman, in control, needs structure, the woman’s he has become is all due to her past and let’s just say that it’s heartbreaking…she mainly hides from the world and tries to stay out of things if you will. Their meet is unusual and an agreement is made which forces them to be in one another’s life. These two truly help one another, while the hero helps the heroine live a little bit, what the heroine brings out in the hero is just so plain beautiful. This book truly incorporates the hero and heroine in a beautiful, slightly twisted, sexy and heart wrenching romance. Not only does the author write beautiful words but her story lines always pull at the heart strings.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Romance: ♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: NA
Standalone/Series: Book 2 in Series
Type: All Tags on top of this page!
Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY ☑

2020 ARCs, 4.5 STAR, Friends-To-Lovers, September 2020 Reviews, Sizzling, Sports Romance

R E V I E W ➠ The Game Changer by Samantha Lind

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(Indianapolis Eagles #8)
GOODREADS
AUTHOR WEBSITE

Johnathan
The one word I didn’t think I’d have to accept so soon—retirement.
Never playing again was my new reality, along with all the other symptoms that came along with my career-ending injury.
Just as I’m learning to deal with my new normal, life throws me another challenge, but this one might just be the game-changer that alters my life for the better.
Jill
I’ve always been focused. School. Graduation. Opening my own business.
I didn’t see myself settling down anytime soon, I had an empire to build.
I definitely didn’t expect a newly retired hockey player would bulldoze his way into my life.
Maybe it’s time I focus on more than just my business.
The more time we spend together, the more I realize I can have more than one focus.
Sometimes, when one chapter closes, it makes room for another…

RELEASE DATE: September 17, 2020

Not my first read by the author but I am jumping in a little too late since this is book 8 but I have read one other book in this series. I read the blurb and the cover caught my attention and here we are.

I was pleasantly surprised at this. The hero and heroine were so honest and upfront with one another and it was refreshing. Jonathan was charming, broody, smart and just a man not sure what to do after his devastating news at the doctors. Jill is a woman after my own heart, strong, loyal, smart, funny, beautiful and just real. She makes it a point to be there for John but the way she does it is so just heartfelt and welcoming. So when they two start dating it may be new but their connection is mesmerizing to watch. You will get fully invested in these twoa nd the life they are trying to live on their own and build together, I am so glad I had a chance to review this…really fell in love with them two. Always love a meant to be hero and heroine because their banter, romance and pain just seems more real to me.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Romance: ♡♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: NA
Standalone/Series: Book 8 in Series
Type: All Tags on top of this page!
Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY ☑

2020 ARCs, 4.5 STAR, Angsty, Friends-To-Lovers, Mysery, New To Me Author, September 2020 Reviews, Slow Burn

R E V I E W ➠ Derailed by Anjelica Grace

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(The Driven World)
GOODREADS
AUTHOR WEBSITE

Anjelica Grace’s Derailed is an angsty, sexy, emotionally charged Contemporary Romance novel written in K. Bromberg’s Driven Worlds project.
I want to save the innocent and vulnerable, right the wrongs they’ve faced in their young lives. I strive to give those in our care the love and support they may have never received before.
This mission, my job, brought him to me.
Liam Hayes is the most unexpected, amazing surprise of my life.
He sees me for me, accepts my career, and is just as passionate about saving kids as I am.
He’s perfect.
He’s also hiding something.
I can feel it, but I have no idea what it might be, or what it means for us. I only know whatever it is, it drives him forward, yet seems to hold him back, too.
One child. One case.
It’s what cements our bond. It may also be the one thing that ruins both our lives for good.
When hearts get involved, lines get blurred.
Can we overcome and grow?
Or will our lives be derailed forever?

RELEASE DATE: September 17, 2020

Very NEW to me author and books, I read the blurb and sounded like something I would really enjoy plus this is from the driven world and so I knew I had to dive in.

This was an interesting dive in, since this a NEW to me author I wasn’t sure what to expect in the writing style and I really enjoyed it. The story line worked, the characters were relatable and I gotta say that the heroine was the favorite in this one, yes I loved and fell in love with the hero as well but her…she was so brave and strong and what she did for those kids…my heart! This had a lot of CRY moments too where I was so invested I couldn’t not read what’s next even though I was scared to. Liam’s and Everleigh’s story is something I will remember, the emotion this evoked from me. Will be reading more by the author for sure!

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Romance: ♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥
Triggers: NA
Standalone/Series: (The Driven World)
Type: All Tags on top of this page!
Recommended: ☑

2020 ARCs, 5 STAR, Biker Romance, Friends-To-Lovers, September 2020 Reviews, Single Dad, Single Mom, Sizzling, Slow Burn, Surprise Baby, Suspense Romance

R E V I E W ➠ Edge of Tomorrow by Freya Barker

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(Arrow’s Edge MC #3)
GOODREADS
AUTHOR WEBSITE

Solitude and motor oil meets soul food and wariness
I’m a grease-stained enigma.
A watcher, a protector, an ex-con, and a mechanic.
My name is Brick.
I’m old enough to know good things come to those who wait, and hungry enough to go after what I want.
I am a proud independent.
A nurturer, a cook, a casualty, and a grandparent.
My name is Lisa.
I’m cautious enough to keep my distance, and too wise to let a chance at love pass me by.
We seem unmatched—in race, in history, in lifestyle—but when tragedy leaves a baby in our care and a target on our backs, we discover the strength of family.
Unified.

RELEASE DATE: September 21, 2020

Not my first read by the author, I actually she’s been one of my secret hidden I LOVE her books author. I honestly have not read any books by her that I did not like, something about her writing style just appeals to me.

So the hero and heroine here are in their late 40’s meaning they are also grandparents. So the hero is a rough MC who is 50 and has had his share of life, the one daughter he does have he lost contact with many years ago. Two years is how long this man has waited to make his move only to be send into hyper speed of romance when the time does come. The heroine, she is super sweet, loving and smart. Taking care of her childs children, raising them since they were little enough…she doesn’t have time for anything else. She likes her job being the cook at the MC and that’s that. WRONG! She didn’t know what she was missing until that kiss. Since this is a MC you know you will get action, mystery, suspense, danger, dark..but what’s beautiful about this si the love between the hero and heroine, it’s not over the top no, but by gosh it’s so sweet makes you melt. Something about a big strong MC man to melt your heart when he calls you SUGAR!

Absolutely recommend her books to anyone that loves older characters, old school love, romance, passion, dirty sex but in the best way possible and just plain REAL!

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Romance: ♡♡♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: Death
Standalone/Series: Book 3 in Series
Type: All Tags on top of this page!
Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY ☑

2020 ARCs, 5 STAR, Friends-To-Lovers, MUST READS!, Rom-Com, September 2020 Reviews, Slow Burn

R E V I E W ➠ Double Dog Dare You by Lacey Black

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GOODREADS
AUTHOR WEBSITE

Quinn
One simple text message can change everything. I found that out the hard way. One minute I’m complaining about a horrible picture of a guy’s you-know-what, and the next, I’m having conversations with a stranger. A gorgeous, rebel of a man who makes my heart skip a beat and does a number on my panties.
The only problem is we’re not looking for the same things in life. I want stability and a family, while he always has his eye out for the next good time.
Royce
She may literally be the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met. Funny, it all started with an accidental text message. About unwanted male member photos, actually, and from that moment, I was hooked. She’s the perfect woman really, except for one tiny little flaw. She’s looking for the one thing that makes me want to run for the door. Forever.
Yet, somehow, I can’t seem to let her go. She might be the one dare I actually fail. 

RELEASE DATE: September 15, 2020

Not my first read by the author, and I read the blurb to this and that’s what caught my eye. What a fun start, wrong number, dick pics, SWEATPANTS pics and wrong names, Tami with an I 😉 (you’ll understand when you read)

This was so much fun and so sweet to read. The hero is a late 30’s bachelor thinking that he really just needs that, the bachelor life. The heroine is the sweetest woman alive I swear I fell in love with her before him for sure. Their cute-meet was when the heroine texted her BFF from her new phone thinking she memorized it correctly, only she ended up texting someone else. That someone else being is our hero who played along only for a little before putting her out of her misery and telling her that she texted a stranger, but not before he declares that they are going to me BESTIES now. It was just the cutest and sweetest way they were with one another before they ended up meeting accidentally.

Lots of laughter, fun, sweetness, swooning, an adorable pup, some tequila and a zip line! It really has a lot of heart too, HIGHLY recommend!

Rating: 5 out of 5.

A MUST READ!
Romance: ♡♡♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: NA
Standalone/Series: Standalone
Type: All Tags on top of this page!
Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY ☑

2020 ARCs, 5 STAR, Angsty, Forbidden Romance, Friends-To-Lovers, Rom-Com, September 2020 Reviews, Slow Burn, Tear Jerker

R E V I E W ➠ The SetUp by Meghan Quinn

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GOODREADS
AUTHOR WEBSITE

I’ve fallen victim to a heinous act.
An act so vile, so downright dirty, that I’m not sure as a twenty-year-old man I’ll ever recover. Brace yourself, because what I’m about to tell you might have you gasping in secondhand horror.
Ready? Here it goes . . .
I’ve recently become the pawn of a meddling mom.
Yes . . . A MEDDLING MOM–who’s been trying to set me up all summer.
Now, I understand it’s not a crime for a mother to want her child to fall in love, but when she makes it her relentless MISSION, the heinous act should be classified as a misdemeanor at least.
Of course, my mom, the evil matriarch in the devil’s leggings, made her final stab at finding a girl for me days before I went back to college.
And I hate to admit it, but she saved a doozy for last.
A titan in black skinny jeans.
A boss of nonchalance.
And a girl who would not only turn my life upside down, but do it while juggling a soccer ball, looking effortlessly gorgeous around campus, and is one hundred percent against relationships. Of any sort.
Thanks, Mom. 

RELEASE DATE: September 10, 2020

Not my first read by the author by far, I have read enough to know her writing style and love it. That said I have also been following these series of stand-alone’s and have read them all. This one was fun as all of them are but also broke my heart all at the same.

When the hero’s mother meddles and tries to set him up with a woman that not only is gorgeous but also WANTS NOTHING TO DO WITH HIM. It was the best and funniest thing ever, I loved LOVED Indie oh man did I love her but equally Lincoln as well, they really just kind of fit well together and their banter, sweet moments and heartbreak was something I didn’t think I would need but glad I received from this fun, sexy rom-com that turned my heart upside down.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Romance: ♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: NA
Standalone/Series: Standalone
Type: All Tags on top of this page!
Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY ☑