November 2020 Reviews

When I’m not a test pilot flying for the U.S. Air Force, I can be found risking my life in other ways.
Skydiving. No problem.
Bungee jumping off a bridge. Like a pro.
Paragliding in Switzerland. Time of my life.
Zorbing in New Zealand. Fun as hell.
You see…all these life-risking adventures are not just a hobby for me, not just a way to pass the time. I need the adrenaline rush like I need my next breath. I’m addicted to it. It’s the only thing that allows me to bury my painful past—even if only for as long as it takes for me to come down from the high. All that matters is that I’m able to forget. And every heart-stopping moment of it was working…at least, until she appeared back in my life.
Both my worst nightmare and my wildest dream all wrapped up in one beautiful woman…a woman I was still very much in love with.
And that’s not the worst part…
Linnzi Cunningham has no idea who I am. She has no idea how intertwined our terrible pasts are—and for that, she is lucky.
She doesn’t remember the night when everything important in her life, everything that she lived for, was taken from her by the man who promised he would always protect her.
That man was me.
To love her is to forget she ever existed in my world.

RELEASE DATE: December 22, 2020

My mystery man.
The only man who had made me feel something for the first time in years.
The man I was finally able to put a face to in my nightly dreams.
-Linnzi

Not my first read of the author, and I have read all the books previously in the series. I absolutely LOVE this series! This one will hit you in ALL. THE. FEELS.

So the hero and heroine in this one has a huge history together, and I mean huge. That said, I don’t want to give out too much but just when you think you had it figure out, YOU DON’T. Believe me when I say that. Nolan the hero is the sweetest best man alive, I mean dream man…and Linnzi the heroine…was mature, sweet, beautiful and so lost. I knew they would break my heart in this but I didn’t know how much. From the build up to the peek, to everything in between and after…all the feelings. Their tragedy might be shared but their heart had complete different takes and ideas. It truly is a book to just dive into to and get lost with.

TOP 2020 MUST READ!
Romance: ♡♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: NA
Standalone/Series: Book 6 in Series
Type: All Tags on top of this page!
Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY ☑

2020 ARCs, 4.5 STAR, Angsty, Cowboy Romance, Friends-To-Lovers, New To Me Author, November 2020 Reviews, Second Chance Romance, Sizzling, Slow Burn, Small Town Romance, Surprise Baby

R E V I E W ➠ Ridden Hard: A Surprise Baby Romance by Kim Loraine

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

(Ryker Ranch Book 3)

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AUTHOR WEBSITE

They call me the wild one.
The Ryker brother who’d rather have more notches on his bedpost than rodeo championships.
I’m good with horses, even better with women. I’ve been warned that sowing my oats might have consequences, but I’m always careful. And there’s nothing wrong with having a little fun.
But the truth is, I want more than fun. I want it all. With the right girl.
So when the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen shows up at my ranch, it should all fall into place. Except she’s got a big surprise for me. She’s pregnant, and the kid is mine, but she wants nothing to do with me.

RELEASE DATE: December 2, 2020

NEW to me author and books. I originally saw this as a sign-up and recommended it to my Book-Friend Britney to read because she loves Cowboy Romances, and after she read it and told me a little about it I wanted to give it a try.

This is a backwards game, Tristen and Hazel are starting it off a little backwards. When Hazel decides to let loose for one night, after learning news that new ex-bf of 5 years not only moved on after a hot minute but also got engaged then is getting married even faster…well things don’t go as planned. Oh the romance and sexy times portion was spot on and perfect, but Tristen the sexy cowboy that calls her Darlin’ left behind a little more than they both bargained for. After searching to find him again, because well they both didn’t bother more than first name bases on the one night they spend together, she finds out more about the sexy cowboy a.k.a her baby-daddy. And what she finds is beautiful, romantic, sweet and just plain Tristan. But she’s been burned before, she spend 5 years with a man who was always looking for the next best and new things…these two take a ride of adventure and love.

I will say that the peek of the story line, I guess there wasn’t a big build up to it as well as the aftermath, but I enjoyed the story very much and the ending has me wanting to continue these brother’s stories!

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

2020 ARCs, 4.5 STAR, Friends-To-Lovers, Insta Love, November 2020 Reviews, Single Dad, Sizzling, Slow Burn, Small Town Romance

R E V I E W ➠ Holiday With You by Claudia Burgoa and Grahame Claire

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

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AUTHOR WEBSITE (Claudia)

AUTHOR WEBSITE (Grahame)

Audrey’s boss gave her one objective—head to the small town of Winter Valley, and acquire that bed and breakfast the company has had their eye on forever. A big sale like this could change her career . . . and she’s the only one who could convince the owner to make the deal.
On her way, she crashes into the truck of sexy, unavailable, single Dad Colin Bradford. The repairs won’t be done until Christmas Eve, so she’s stuck in Winter Valley until her car is fixed.
There’s something magical about being in a small town at Christmas. Life is slower than her hectic job in the city. She finds herself falling for Winter Valley . . . and for Colin.
Though acquiring that bed and breakfast is much harder than she planned . . .
Amidst all the hot chocolate, snowflakes, and silent nights, Audrey has a choice to make. Could Colin end up being her Christmas miracle?

RELEASE DATE: December 1, 2020

This cute book got me all in the spirit, and wanting snow, light and hot coco… along with wearing a onesie.
This is a story of a woman out to do a job, but the universe had other plans. While she is there for a job, it proves to be a lot tougher than she thought. And her boss riding her isn’t helping, the heroines loves her job just not her bitch of a boss. when she slides off the road into the most gorgeous man alive, of course it’ll be when she is wearing a unicorn onesie. Because why not.

The hero cosmetic believe his eyes when he got it off his damaged truck and saw a gorgeous…unicorn? While Audrey isn’t a usual to fit into their small town, she warms herself into everyone’s hearts… including his and his daughters. yes did I Mentone the hero is a handsome, hardworking single dad..mmmmhm! That said, when they have a little fun together, lives get blurred and well a secret comes out that threatens everything. Now it’s up to Aubrey to decide, will she run back, move on or fight? When was the last time someone fought for her?!
this sweet story comes with lots if fun adventures, yummy food and well little bit of a fast pace love…and an adorable little girl. I did kind of predict and figure it out not too long into the story, and I didn’t feel a build up for either the relationship or high peek of the plot. Still enjoyed it all and glad I had the chance to review.

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, International Romance, November 2020 Reviews, Sizzling, Sport Romance, Sports Romance

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

November 21, 2020by The Guide To Romance NovelsLeave a Comment

(Play Hard #2)

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AUTHOR WEBSITE

The contract with Major League Soccer was supposed to help repair my damaged reputation
Then I discovered that I’d made a deal with the devil: the player I’m supposed to recruit is none other than the bad boy, star Premier League footballer, Rush McKenzie
British. Tattooed. Sexy. A man currently at the center of a huge scandal
The goal? To convince him to stay in the States
But what’s wrong with a little fun in the meantime? No strings. No sweet nothings. Just a way to pass the time while we’re both struggling to prove our true selves to the world
If someone found out our relationship was anything more than professional, it would only serve to prove all our critics right.
I never should have agreed to take the fall
But I did and I’m a man of my word
Even if it means risking everything I’ve worked for
The only bright side is Lennox Kincade
Gorgeous. Defiant. Rumor-tainted. Totally off-limits
Sharing a house with the gorgeous sports agent should have been a fun distraction from the turmoil. Someone to help pass the time while the tensions back home die down
But what started as nothing, ends up as something I never saw coming.

RELEASE DATE: December 1, 2020

Not my first read by the author, she is a favorite and I’ve read every single one of her books including book 1 in this series! This one took me by surprise!

So, this series definitely has a theme since it revolves sisters that each get their story. In book 1 I wasn’t fond of the overly strong heroine and we also get it here except this one is a rebel on top and very out going. So basically it’s more action and focusing on the story line. Which is fine, but it’s a turn off for me when the heroine is careless, rebel and just a ‘fun’ type of woman, takes away from the romance and little vulnerability for me. That said, here is what I enjoyed from this book I loved that the hero wears his heart on the sleeve, that the heroine may be strong and not a relationship but she really is trying to prove herself to make it in the world of men, the story line fits so well and smooth from book 1, that the hero and heroine when they have their “moments it melts my heart.

The hero ran away to the states to LAY LOW. I can’t say what happened but after an occurrence, he was told to lay low long story short he is here at the same location as the heroine who in fact herself was kind of thrown in the same area and around the same people for other reasons. watching these two dangle each other in front of each other then try to figure out their own reasonings along with trying NOT to fall for one another is an adventure on it’s own. but after finishing it all, everything really isn’t as it seems, the heroine stubbornness but big secret heart and the hero’s slowness, it all won me over for good. The sweetest outcome after a long hard road filled with obstacles!

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

2020 ARCs, 5 STAR, Friends-To-Lovers, November 2020 Reviews, Office-Romance, Sizzling, Slow Burn

R E V I E W ➠ Not Average Vixen by Krista Sandor

November 20, 2020November 20, 2020by The Guide To Romance NovelsLeave a Comment

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AUTHOR WEBSITE

It’s Dasher versus Rudolph with a little Vixen thrown in
A Christmas wedding is on the line in this steamy holiday romance from USA Today Bestselling Author Krista Sandor
Maid of honor, Bridget Dasher, didn’t think anything could ruin her sister’s Christmas Eve wedding…until she met the best man
Scratch that—the worst man
Don’t be fooled by his name. Soren Christopher Traeger-Rudolph—yep, Rudolph—is the Grinch of all groomsmen, and his plans for this wedding will only land him on the Naughty List
Or..
Her bed
Naughty reindeer games like you’ve never seen ensue when Rudolph brings out the Vixen in this Dasher.
With witty banter and laugh-out-loud moments, prepare to experience Christmas bliss in Not Your Average Vixen, an enemies-to-lovers holiday romance.

Author note: No reindeer were harmed in the writing of this book.

RELEASE DATE: December 9, 2020

Not my first read by the author, I have loved her books from the first one and feels like it’s been forever but it really hasn’t/ I love Krista’s writing style!

This was SO MUCH FUN TO READ! I absolutely loved the enemy-to and steamy-ness of this! Lot’s of laughter, heart and romance…Krista really brings out her fun and sexy side to writing. So what happens when you get snowed in with a hottie and end up having amazing, fun and sexy sex with the man there, then find out that he is the best-man AAAAND also trying to stop his little sister’s wedding? Well an adventure filled with everything Christmas, snow and fun! Krista really knows how to bring you into the book with the words, your imagination will run wild, the side characters will have you hooked as much as the hero and heroine. Warning this will warm your heart and bring out the Christmas spirit and all the feels out!

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

2020 ARCs, 4.5 STAR, Brother's Best Friend, Forbidden Romance, Friends-To-Lovers, November 2020 Reviews, Sizzling, Slow Burn

R E V I E W ➠ My Brother’s Roommate by Kendall Ryan

November 20, 2020by The Guide To Romance NovelsLeave a Comment

(Frisky Business #2)

GOODREADS

AUTHOR WEBSITE

There are a few things you should know about my brother’s roommate
Wolfie Cox is . . . complicated. Terminally sexy, and more importantly, he has an impressive stick lodged so far up his ass, he’s about as emotionally available as a chinchilla. Actually, that might be an insult to the chinchilla community
So, naturally, I want to ride him like a bicycle
He thinks I hate him. Mostly because I’ve led him to believe this. It’s easier than admitting the alternative
And while Wolfie is about as soft and cuddly as a fork, I’m the opposite. A good girl. Reliable. Conscientious. Oh, and completely panicked about an upcoming work conference
Wolfie’s usually allergic to altruism, so when my brother volun-tells him to help me out by escorting me to said conference where everyone else will have a plus-one . . . I say thanks, but no thanks. Surprisingly, Wolfie is unflinching about this. And that’s the story about how I got stuck in a hotel with my brother’s hot (grouchy) roommate
Thank you for coming to my TED talk
In all seriousness, this isn’t a game to me, and hormones aside, I need to impress my boss this week so the promotion I’ve worked hard for doesn’t get handed to his spineless nephew. But with Wolfie and me sharing a hotel bed, things get confusing quickly.

RELEASE DATE: December 1, 2020

Not my first read by the author, and I have read a lot to love her style. I have been looking forward to this one, something about the blurb really caught my attention. I have not read Book 1 in this series yet.

This was a little something different I’ve read. Yes it’s the best friends and roommates little sister ordeal sure, but with a Hero Twist. I won’t say what of course but definitely different and not expected. The hero is grumpy, reserved and broody…but when you find out about his past, it’ll break your heart and make you think twice as a female reader. Definitely interesting. The heroine I’m 50/50 on to be honest, I wasn’t feeling the full connection between them, but mostly my connection to her. The story line is straight road type, little predictable but still enough to keep you engaged.

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, Angsty, Brother's Best Friend, Forbidden Romance, Friends-To-Lovers, November 2020 Reviews, Single Dad, Sizzling, Slow Burn

R E V I E W ➠ Make Me Yours by Melanie Harlow

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

(Bellamy Creek #2)

GOODREADS

AUTHOR WEBSITE

He’s my brother’s best friend
The hot single dad next door
And one accidental sext later, my massive crush on him is no longer a secret
It’s my own damn fault. I’m thirty years old, for heaven’s sake. I’m a kindergarten teacher and a (reasonably) responsible adult. I should know better than to get tipsy and draft a fake text listing all the dirty things I wish Officer Cole Mitchell would do to me
I wasn’t supposed to hit send
He wasn’t supposed to see it
And he definitely wasn’t supposed to text back telling me to go on . .
Because after that, things escalate quickly
Cole is everything I’ve ever wanted. He’s sexy and protective. A devoted father to his little girl. A dedicated cop the whole town adores. The kind of guy you can trust to keep his hands to himself, even when you’re desperately hoping he won’t
I’m not the girl he thought he’d end up with, but after all this time, I might finally get the chance to say the words I’ve always dreamed of . . . make me yours.

RELEASE DATE: November 23, 2020

Not my first read by the author, she is a favorite and I have loved all her books thus far! This series UGH i couldn’t wait for more, meaning I have read book 1!

I want to say that I really had high hopes ad expectations for this book because of the first one. And I am always honest in my review’s good or the not so good. That said, sadly the only reason this god a 4.5 is because I love and respect Melanie. Hear me out, up until 60% I was cruising on the love boat, excitement, the chase, the game, the pain, ALL. THE. FEELINGS. then somehow it just all went WEIRD for me. That’s the only way I can describe it, few scenes felt repeated, the FEEL of the whole relationship just felt off, the heroine turned into a ‘love sick puppy’ kind of love but a little too much. Just felt off, maybe it’s just me and I wasn’t going with the flow or off, but I was in a good mood reading loved it, then it just got WEIRD. Just didn’t feel right on the conclusion part and the resolution as well for me. I appreciate all the words because it was well written, little predictable story line but enjoyable. It got me off of the good and that’s why you are reading this going, oh this is mostly the not so good but let me tell you bout the good.

The starting relationship of hero and heroine was sweet, they have known one another for most of their life. Cole and Cheyenne really are true friends, and well Cheyenne has had a huge crush on Cole from teenage years but Cole lived on, married, had a baby and then lost the love of his life. Which really scarred him, his daughter thought she is the sweetest and cutest you’ll love her! Their over all feel is best friends little sister can’t go there and secret crush still but I can’t make him want me. It was really emotional, i felt everything for Cheyenne and well let me warn you about the sexy scenes in a good way, haha fantastic! Cole by the way is the Single-Dad Police Officer, I will say that I kind of missed maybe seeing about his work, it doesn’t go into detail at all, just that he is a police officer that’s about it. Over all I enjoyed the book.

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

2020 ARCs, 4 STAR, Angsty, Friends-To-Lovers, November 2020 Reviews, Second Chance Romance, Slow Burn

R E V I E W ➠ Desperate Times by Emily Goodwin

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

(Silver Ridge Series Book 2)

GOODREADS

AUTHOR WEBSITE

I fell in love with Chloe Fisher when we were only kids. I knew then, just like I know now, there will never be another woman in the world for me but her. A silly childhood pack to marry each other if we were still single and thirty kept us together…until I messed up, hurting the only woman I’ve every truly cared about. I swore if I ever got a second chance, I would make things right, rove to Chloe I’ve changed, that I’m not the same guy who broke her heart years ago
History has a way of repeating itself, and now that Chloe is finally giving me what I’ve always wanted, I’m terrified that maybe we were never meant to be, that maybe Chloe will always be the one that got away. That maybe, just maybe, she’s entirely too good for me
I’ve never been one to give up, and I’ll keep fight for her—for us, even though the universe is doing its very best to keep us apart. It’s true what they say: desperate times call for desperate measures. And I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make her mine.

RELEASE DATE: November 17, 2020

Not my first read by the author and I have also read Book 1 in this duo. I have to admit I had to kind of skim over and re read by Book 1 review because of the gap so I didn’t fully remember the ending and all. That said I am 50/50 so so on this conclusion, well so this is a Series but Book 1 and this one are the same hero and heroine. It was kind of a BOOM ending of book 1 so I had expectations.

Sam receives some rather hard news and well the truth in the ending of book 1 so now he is confused and unsure how to continue on with Chloe and everything. He is torn back and forth, there is some twists thrown in and because he’s so unsure and of the events I don’t want to name to give too much out, the store had times where it went in circles, the drama went up and down but still in circles of the same. It got little slow for me. What saved it all for me is the love between Sam and Chloe, when it was just them two, Sam was so handsome and sweet and sexy and Chloe being her awkward self..it really just worked for them two. New love but a long time coming!

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

2020 ARCs, 4.5 STAR, Enemy-To-Lovers, Fake Relationship, Friends-To-Lovers, November 2020 Reviews, Slow Burn

R E V I E W ➠ Charming Co-Worker by Jeannine Colette and Lauren Runow

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

GOODREADS

AUTHOR WEBSITE

All I want for Christmas is Branson Ford
I’ve been starry-eyed for my handsome boss since the day I started working for him at Empire Media. Problem is, he doesn’t see me as anything more than his sweet assistant
I need help becoming a vixen. I need someone to teach me how to be sensual, how to be desired, and how to get the man I’ve pined over for the last two years. So, I enlist the help of my co-worker
My very sexy, very charming co-worker, Hunter Johnstone
Hunter loves the thrill of the chase. He’s spontaneous, honest, and just the man I need for a lesson in passion. When he suggests we start a fake relationship, I think he’s crazy, but who am I to question his jealousy-inducing ways
His little trick works—maybe too well. The line between friends and lovers is blurred, but maybe that’s because it was never really there. And just as I’m about to start seeing clearly, my Christmas wish comes true.

RELEASE DATE: November 23, 2020

Not my first read by the ladies! I have been excited for this one, a good rom-com is always something on my radar!

What I loved about this, yes it may have been part a rom-com but the SWEET in this was very high and I swooned equally. All Katie want’s is for her boos to see her more than the SWEET little assistant, so she sets out a plan or rather get’s some help/ In comes Hunter who is handsome, sweet funny, loyal and determined. I enjoyed every page, side characters and the story line of this. One sitting read!

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

2020 ARCs, 5 STAR, Angsty, Friends-To-Lovers, Insta Love, Novella, November 2020 Reviews, Second Chance Romance, Sizzling

R E V I E W ➠ In For A Penny by Melissa Foster

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

(The Whiskeys: Dark Knights at Peaceful Harbor #7.5)

GOODREADS

AUTHOR WEBSITE

Friendships and family abound during a week of love, laughter, and happily ever afters. Catch up with your favorite characters and enjoy Bones and Sarah’s wedding while falling in love with the newest Whiskey-world couple, Penny Wilson and Scott Beckley in this Whiskey series novella.
When everything you want is right in front of you, but it’s still out of reach…
Penny Wilson has a successful business, more friends than a girl could ask for, and a boyfriend she’s madly and passionately in love with. Scott Beckley is honest, loyal, hands down the best lover on the planet, and absolutely gaga over his nieces and nephews. Scott’s a keeper…as long as Penny doesn’t ever want to hear those three magical words that would take their relationship to the next level. Scott escaped abusive parents at seventeen and was forced to find his way alone in the world. Even though it’s been more than a decade and he’s reunited with his estranged sisters and built a good life in Peaceful Harbor, Maryland, he’s still tortured by his past. Penny knows he loves her with everything he has, but for a girl who wants a family and a guy who is afraid of having one, love might not be enough.

RELEASE DATE: December 9, 2020

“I love you, Penny. You’re my soul mate, my best friends, my eye of the fucking storm,”
-Scott

Not my first read, I couldn’t even tell you how many of the author books I’ve read! That said you bet I have read all the books in the series so I was SOOO ready for this! It was the sweetest read!

This may have been shorter but filled with so much emotion! I was hanging on to every page, it was sweet, romantic, swoony with full of angst. Penny & Scott are a beautiful couple, they both harvest some pain from the past but the secrets and chip on Scott’s shoulder about certain outlooks in life…during their friend’s wedding, things get a little out of control and Penny is trying to get herself around the idea of being single. That is all I am saying, this was a rather very enjoyable read and just exactly what was needed! Beautiful addition to the Series!

Romance: ♡♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: NA
Standalone/Series: 7.5 Book in Series Novella
Type: All Tags on top of this page!
Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY ☑

Category: November 2020 Reviews

R E V I E W ➠ Take Me Away by Kelly Elliott

R E V I E W ➠ Ridden Hard: A Surprise Baby Romance by Kim Loraine

R E V I E W ➠ Holiday With You by Claudia Burgoa and Grahame Claire

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

R E V I E W ➠ Not Average Vixen by Krista Sandor

R E V I E W ➠ My Brother’s Roommate by Kendall Ryan

R E V I E W ➠ Make Me Yours by Melanie Harlow

R E V I E W ➠ Desperate Times by Emily Goodwin

R E V I E W ➠ Charming Co-Worker by Jeannine Colette and Lauren Runow

R E V I E W ➠ In For A Penny by Melissa Foster