JUNE 2020 Reviews

2020 ARCs, 5 STAR, Angsty, Friends-To-Lovers, JUNE 2020 Reviews, Second Chance Romance, Slow Burn, Small Town Romance, Tear Jerker, TOP 2020 MUST READ

R E V I E W ➠ Southern Sunrise by Natasha Madison

July 1, 2020by The Guide To Romance NovelsLeave a Comment

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AMAZON

Buried secrets never stay hidden in the South.
Emily
I fell in love with him when I was fourteen. Under the stars, he told me he loved me, and under the stars we promised to love each other always. But under the stars, he broke my heart by walking away.
He left me without a second glance. I was just an afterthought.
Now he’s back, but this time, I’m not falling for his Southern charm.
Maybe.
It’s time I get my happily ever after, even if part of me wishes he was still mine.
Ethan
I found out on my twenty-first birthday that everything I thought I knew was a lie, and the man I had grown up thinking was my father wasn’t.
The pain I felt blinded me, making it impossible to hear what anyone said.
I left them all behind, including her, my best friend and the woman I was going to marry.
Five years later, I’m back, only to find the woman I still love has another man’s ring on her finger.
She’s going to marry my best friend unless I stop her. And this time, I only have until sunrise to change her mind.

RELEASE DATE: July 7, 2020

Not my first read by the author and not my last. I have read almost every singe book by her and of course have read the other books in this series!

Okay, okay, okay…what just happened? I started reading this around 8pm and its almost 1am i am now finished and I’m…I have just cried on and off for hours. Have your tissue handy because this ones a heart-breaker. So by now we all know this is the love story of Ethan who is Savannah’s son, i feel like by this point you probably don’t want to start the series with this book so we all know who he is. I want sure what to expect to be honest, then i thought i knew what to expect then i was broken into pieces, felt every single word and cried right along. Sometimes trying to find yourself or who you are comes at a cost, and Ethan paid BIG! Emily, beautiful Emily… forever will love her, i felt every single break of hers, every year gone by alone, gah just so tragic but beautiful.

If you want angst mixed with heartbreak, throw in some curves on the road AND then have it all try and find the same path… this is for you. I am so glad Ethan and Emily got their story, probably a critical and important one at that. not the end but I’m throwing this into my “when I’m feeling sad’ pile so i can extra FEEL it when i re-read!

TOP 2020 MUST READ!
Romance: ♡♡♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: NA
Standalone/Series: #4 of Series
Type: All Tags on top of this page!
Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY ☑

2020 ARCs, JUNE 2020 Reviews

R E V I E W ➠ Hard To Handle by K. Bromberg

June 30, 2020June 30, 2020by The Guide To Romance NovelsLeave a Comment

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AMAZON

At first, the request seemed simple—sign a new athlete to the agency.
Then I found out the new athlete was none other than the most wanted man in hockey today: Hunter Maddox
Gifted. Sexy. At the top of his game. And the only man who has ever broken my heart.
If signing him will help save our family business, I’ll swallow my pride and do what’s asked.
But when it becomes clear his uncharacteristic antics off the ice are a hint of something deeper, keeping things strictly professional between us becomes more than complicated. But I know better than to cross that line.
I’ll never date a client. Not even for him.
Win the Stanley Cup and do it before time runs out.
Not a small feat, but it’s what’s motivated me since the start of my career.
And time is running out.
Enter Dekker Kincade.
Feisty. Dogged. Damn gorgeous. The one I let get away.
I have no idea why she’s traveling with the team, but hell if resisting her is going to be easy.
But I have a job to do, and I refuse to lose sight of that end game. Even if she confuses me. Even if she sees parts of me I’ve hidden from the world.
I can’t lose focus. Not even for her.

RELEASE DATE: June 30, 2020

Not my first read by the author, I have read all her books and she is one of my top favorite authors, that said you know I dived into this with everything I had. And boy did I go for a ride, a ride I have always wanted! So happy this is going to be a series (but this can be read as a standalone)

To begin with I want to say that this is a heavy doze of ENEMY-TO and with the right reasons. We have a hero that not only is broken but also trying to just DO IT ALL but everyone has a breaking point…and a heroine that went into something only to come out brokenhearted by herself, not sure of her feelings, but when she does realize it and her father sets her on the one person she can not tell her true feeling to…well you will be in for quite a ride with these two. Lot’s of bickering, tension, SEXUAL tension, passion, hurt and love. You know when two people you look at them and just know that they would be amazing together if they’d get their heads out of their asses? Well, that’s these two!!

Romance: ♡♡♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: NA
Standalone/Series: Book 1 of Series
Type: All Tags on top of this page!
Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY ☑

2020 ARCs, 4.5 STAR, Angsty, Friends-To-Lovers, JUNE 2020 Reviews, Sizzling

R E V I E W ➠ Hot and Heavy by Lacey Black

June 27, 2020by The Guide To Romance NovelsLeave a Comment

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AMAZON

He swore he wouldn’t touch her, but she’s about to test his restraint.
Prim and proper secretary Melodie Turner has been in lust for her boss for years . . . and she’s finally going to do something about it. P.I. Cole Sommers might be able to barely resist her sexy new attitude and flirtatious behavior, but when she takes a cue from his current case and decides to seduce Cole’s mind with highly provocative letters, she knows his body won’t be very far behind . . .
Cole is definitely in over his head. He’s got more cases than he can handle, but all he can think about is taking his secretary to bed, turning her over his knee, and showing her what happens to naughty girls who don’t behave. At every turn, Melodie is there, taunting him, teasing him, making him burn with a deep, undeniable need. But Cole promised her father that he’d protect her—even from himself—which means she’s off-limits.
Only he hadn’t counted on being the target of Melodie’s irresistible sensual assaults. Nor had he planned to lose his hardened heart in the battle . . .
Originally published as A Shameless Seduction by Janelle Denison.

RELEASE DATE: June 23, 2020

Not my first read by the author, and I have not yet tread book #1 in this series. But the blurb in this one really caught my eye, and yes this may have been on the shorter side but the SIZZLE was turned up WAY up!

Melodie and Cole are a couple that sizzles then calms but sizzles back up. It was so much fun to watch Cole confusing himself on his feelings and Melodie was the prime heroine. I am glad I gave this a try and I want to give out more but honestly don’t want to spoil it since it is such a shorter read! Always excited to read a Erika Wild book and looking forward to more.

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

2020 ARCs, 5 STAR, Angsty, JUNE 2020 Reviews, Marriage Romance, Sizzling

R E V I E W ➠ Own The Eights Get’s Married by Krista Sandor

June 26, 2020by The Guide To Romance NovelsLeave a Comment

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AMAZON

A cocky CrossFit trainer and a snarky bookshop owner attempt to take it to the next level in Own the Eights Gets Married, a delightfully steamy romantic comedy from USA Today Bestselling Author Krista Sandor.
Live TV. Millions watching.
Georgie Jensen, will you marry me?
Lifestyle bloggers Georgie Jensen and Jordan Marks think they have it all figured out.
They’ve rocketed to fame in the blogosphere, but a new challenge awaits on the horizon.
Just when everything seems perfect, and they’re easing into life as a couple, Jordan pops the question, and a wedding Armageddon erupts.
After being thrown into the wild wedding wilderness, Georgie and Jordan’s relationship is tested in ways they never thought possible, and they’re about to find out if their love is strong enough to get them to the altar.
Will wedding bells ring, or will the I dos turn into I don’ts?
Georgie and Jordan’s story continues in Own the Eights Gets Married, the second book in the Own the Eights Series. While this book can be read as a standalone, the series follows Jordan and Georgie as they navigate the ups and downs of love with sizzling chemistry and witty banter.

RELEASE DATE: June 25, 2020

“I’m going to take you from behind like a National Geographic animal documentary,” Jordan growled into her ear.
-Jordan

Not my first read by this amazing author, she was a NEW to me author and quickly became one of my favorites! I have read Book #1 the beginning as you will of this couple. So I was super excited for this!!!

Jordan and Georgie come back in a beautiful, fun and romantic WEDDING! This journey is one that you’d think would be easy but not for them no, their planning of the wedding and execution comes to a difficult one with many obstacles to overcome. When I say Rom-Com I mean ROM-COM like you will find yourself laughing and giggling without even noticing, it was a fresh and summer one sitting read!!

Romance: ♡♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: NA
Standalone/Series: Book 2 cont of Book 1
Type: All Tags on top of this page!
Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY ☑

2020 ARCs, 4.5 STAR, Friends-To-Lovers, JUNE 2020 Reviews, Slow Burn

R E V I E W ➠ Love and Neckties by Lacey Black

June 26, 2020by The Guide To Romance NovelsLeave a Comment

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AMAZON

For Samuel Grayson, everything is black or white. As a funeral director, there’s no room for in-between. He’s accustomed to dealing with life and death, though he’s definitely more comfortable with the latter. Especially when it comes to a chaotic, petite, feisty ball of energy. Freedom Rayne. Samuel’s pretty sure her goal is to make his life hell, or so it appears. When Samuel boards a flight to Las Vegas for his sister’s wedding, the last thing he expects is to share it with the one woman who drives him crazy.
Freedom is eccentric and completely content with it. Floating around from job to job, she finds peace and tranquility in everything she does, including tormenting poor, uptight Samuel Grayson. When she finds herself on the same flight as him for her best friend’s wedding, she sees this as the perfect opportunity to get under his skin, something she tries to do every chance she gets. The problem is the more time she spends with him, the more she likes him.
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, right? Not for Samuel and Freedom. Will they be able to forget about their trip when they return to Rockland Falls? What if one mistake turns out to be the best thing ever?

RELEASE DATE: June 23, 2020

Not my first time reading the author, but I have only read a handful of her books. I wanted to read this one because the blurb really caught my eye and the cover is gorgeous of course. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this read.

Samuel ‘Sammy’ Grayson the hero was an INTERESTING hero, for one his profession was not your usual, he is a funeral director that really loves his job and is set in his ways. So “that” type of person. It was so much fun to watch the heroine Freedom who is a bubbly, live life to fullest and fun person bring this man out of his shell. It has lot’s of laughter, fun, interesting events so to say, and so much ROMANCE! I absolutely fell in love with the story line then the characters, their plane ride, the laughter, the kisses…I don’t know but I really enjoyed this read! Glad I gave it a shot!

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

2020 ARCs, 5 STAR, Angsty, JUNE 2020 Reviews, Office-Romance, Political Romance, Slow Burn, Suspense Romance

R E V I E W ➠ Power Surge by Kennedy L. Mitchell

June 22, 2020by The Guide To Romance NovelsLeave a Comment

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AMAZON

Now what?
Everything has changed, and not for the better. The not-so-perfect life I had as VP is gone, along with the team that’s been by my side each step of my political journey. Every move I make, every breath and thought, now affects millions, and the weight wears me down without Trey as a welcomed distraction.
They tell me war is coming, and I’m the one who has to stop it. But how is the question no one can answer. Past enemies lurk in the shadows while new ones hide in plain sight, stalking, watching, and waiting for the right moment to take me out. I need Trey back. I need them all by my side and ready to fight for me.
Can I undo the mess that my predecessor left in his wake, or will I break under the burden to save the world?
No pressure, right?

RELEASE DATE: June 22, 2020

Not my first read by the author and I LOVE me some Kenndy books. I also have read the previous 3 books in this series and am very anxious for book #5 the conclusion because this one took me by surprise!

What I want ot say so far is that yes each book is based on the same hero and heroine but you get so much action and the ride along with it…will have you wanting more. This is a political romance, so the only disclaimer I had so far was the romance part that exists but me being a die hard romance lover I always crave a lot…which the author did give me in book 3 I’ll never forget that and absolutely LOVED it…that said I also loved the beginning and in between…this book starts off with a BANG and I wasn’t sure where it was going to go, in which all I never know it’s more a TAKES YOU BY SURPRISE type of books..the good kind of surprise. I don’t want to give out too much because this is a you SHOULD READ FROM BOOK 1 type of read because well you want that build of relationship between the hero and heroine. This one is a little less romance and a lot of action, it has some beautiful romantic moments that will have you swoon right out of your panties! These two are a magnet for one another, when life throws them every curve possible, they not only maneuver it but also always end up at the same path. Just plain beautiful the hero and heroine’s relationship, the events…BE PREPARED!

I am SUPER READY FOR BOOK #5 the conclusion!!

Romance: ♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: NA
Standalone/Series: Book #4 of 5 books!
Type: All Tags on top of this page!
Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY ☑

2020 ARCs, 4.5 STAR, Friends-To-Lovers, JUNE 2020 Reviews, Sizzling, Slow Burn

R E V I E W ➠ Knocking Boots by Willow Winters

June 19, 2020by The Guide To Romance NovelsLeave a Comment

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AMAZON

A drunken bet that led to a fake relationship? My naive little heart still hoped it would last…
We were never meant to be together.
He’s a bartender with noncommittal tendencies.
I’m looking for … the opposite. Commitment. Period.
But drinks and a bet led to something it shouldn’t have: a fake relationship. Worse, a first date, a first kiss… and then more.
He’s addictive and I can’t bring myself to accept the reality.
That it’s all a lie and I’m fooling myself by thinking he could want more. That I could change him.
He’s mine for as long as I keep on pretending like this is just for fun.
As if I don’t want more…
Like when he whispers my name, I pretend it doesn’t make my heart flip.
Like when he holds me at night, I pretend I don’t want to lay in his bed every night.
It’s just a bet; just a lie . . . until it isn’t.

RELEASE DATE: June 15, 2020

Not my first read by the author, and I was excited for this…it’s a little different for me and I love the new cover! It was for sure a easy, super sweet and just beautiful read.I wasn’t sure what to expect and this kind of just flowed!

I loved both Grace and Charlie, their soul and heart is something to strive for. I couldn’t find any fault in them, yes they had pasts but together they were just so at ease and the love and passion. This author really knows how to throw in some steamy moments to make even someone like me blush, I loved every minute of it. I really don’t want to say too much, this is one of those books to just dive into and enjoy!

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

2020 ARCs, 5 STAR, Friends-To-Lovers, JUNE 2020 Reviews, Slow Burn, Suspense Romance

R E V I E W ➠ Forever Only Once by Carrie Ann Ryan

June 17, 2020June 17, 2020by The Guide To Romance NovelsLeave a Comment

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AUTHOR WEBSITE

AMAZON

Hazel Noble has survived horrors she wouldn’t inflict on her worst enemy. Since then, she’s healed, found herself, and connected with a group of women she’s proud to call her friends. However, when they make a pact to start looking for love, Hazel finds herself not only up first but also forced to face a past she thought she’d escaped.
Cross Brady has no need for a relationship. As the oldest of five, he’s always been the one his family can rely on. Now, all he wants is to work in peace and live his life. His priorities shift dramatically, though, when Cross finds himself in Hazel’s path.
Though the two initially fight their connection, they soon learn that it’s safer to fall for each other than keep running from what’s holding them back—not to mention, who wants them dead.

RELEASE DATE: June 23, 2020

Not my first read by the author and I have read almost all of the contemporary ones, so this NEW series was a surprised and exciting welcome. I mean I couldn’t fall in love harder with both hero and heroine if I wanted to! Just plain loved it ALL!

This is a story of two human that HAD meet-cute but refused to see it. The heroine is a woman that has escaped but still living in fear. The hero is a man who seems to have it all but is still missing something. When these two come together accidentally, it’s the most beautiful way they are together. Cross is the sweetest hero, he is patient, kind, sweet, sexy and alpha. I loved them together, even in the not so good times…it was great. This will pull you into the real version as I call it, basically it feels more real because of the feelings and actions from the hero and heroine. I love that they both were so vulnerable to new and to one another that their honestly to each other is kind of what made them work. Definitely recommend this beginning to a new series!

Romance: ♡♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: Abuse (prior not current)
Standalone/Series: Book #1 Series
Type: All Tags on top of this page!
Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY ☑

2020 ARCs, 4 STAR, Enemy-To-Lovers, JUNE 2020 Reviews, MUST READS!, Second Chance Romance, Single Dad, Sizzling, Slow Burn, Small Town Romance

R E V I E W ➠ The Player Next Door by K.A. Tucker

June 17, 2020June 19, 2020by The Guide To Romance NovelsLeave a Comment

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AUTHOR WEBSITE

AMAZON

Scarlet Reed has returned to Polson Falls, convinced that twelve years away is long enough to shed her humiliating childhood identity as the town harlot’s daughter. With a teaching job secured and an adorable fixer-upper to call home, things in her life are finally looking up.
That is, until she finds out that Shane Beckett lives next door.
Shane Beckett, the handsome and charismatic high school star quarterback who smashed her heart. The lying, cheating player who was supposed to be long gone, living the pro football dream and fooling women into thinking he’s Prince Charming. Shane Beckett, who is as attractive as ever and flashing his dimples at her as if he has done no wrong.
Scarlet makes it abundantly clear that old wounds have not been forgotten. Neighbors they may be, but friends they most certainly are not. She won’t allow herself to fall for the single father and firefighter again, no matter how many apologies he offers, how many times he rushes to her aid, or how hard he makes her heart pound.
But as she spends more time with him, she begins to fear that maybe she’s wrong. Maybe Shane has changed.
And maybe this time she’s the one playing herself—out of a chance at true happiness.

RELEASE DATE: June 16, 2020

This is a new to me author and what caught my eye was the blurb, something i was excited to read. that said, it being a new to me, I wasn’t sure of the style of writing…it’s always works out or not when it’s a new author and can’t blame anyone when a reader can’t connect with anything regarding the book. Unfortunately i was not able to fully connect with the heroine and hero himself. It came down to the style of writing and over all characters for me. Nothing in particular just the overall. Now that said, the plot was great, little predictable but teacher romances can happen like that. It’s a second chance, little enemy to then friends to lovers, single dad, forbidden relationship. The hero and heroine dated for a summer in HS, after having her heart straight up broken she moves away in hopes of better and for 12 years she did. i forgot to mention that heroines mother was a harlot. It’s complicated.
the hero kind of reminds me of the everyday jock that has it all, grown up but still tendencies and actions of a young adult type. Just could not connect with them and some of their actions. the story line definitely knew what was coming for most of the book, transitions were smooth. I’ve wanted to read this author for a while now and glad i gave it a chance.

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

2020 ARCs, 4.5 STAR, Angsty, JUNE 2020 Reviews, Sizzling, Suspense Romance

R E V I E W ➠ Awakening by Evelyn Montgomery

June 16, 2020by The Guide To Romance NovelsLeave a Comment

GOODREADS

AUTHOR WEBSITE

AMAZON

Justin
A dark past.
A secret identity.
A future ruined by the one thing I can never control.
My curse.
I swore to protect them.
I promised to always stand by her side.
But how can I do that when all I have ever run from
comes crashing back into my life and steals away
all the hope I had for a future.
I swore to protect them, and I will.
I will do all I have to do to keep them safe.
Always.
Even if in the end,
it is over my dead body.
Rose
Fear.
Regret.
Voices I fear I will never overcome.
The final battle for my soul rages inside
and I am suddenly paralyzed from stopping it.
But I finally see the light.
The truth.
Find my strength.
The enemy doesn’t stand a chance
when the victim finally chooses to survive.
When I finally learn
it has no power over me.
My will is stronger now with him by my side.
Always has been. Always will be.
Forever.

Cover Design: The Guide To Romance Novels

RELEASE DATE: June 19, 2020

Not my first read by the author and I have had the chance to read Book #1 already been looking forward to this one…was ready to see the conclusion. Justin and Rose’s story was a fast and beautiful one so the conclusion was a BLAST! I gotta say that the author has a way of twists and I mean hell I didn’t even know where this was going to go. I will say that the heroine is what I fell in love with more in this one she grew stronger and more secure of herself. The hero Justin…let’s just say really prepare. This is a type of book where I don’t want to give out too much because it’s worth the rush reading through this. Obviously I suggest reading Book #1 to start the adventure.

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