Category: April 2020 Review

2020 ARCs, Angsty, April 2020 Review, Enemy-To-Lovers, Forbidden Romance, Friends-To-Lovers, Slow Burn, Small Town Romance, Tear Jerker

R E V I E W ➠ Reckless Memories by Catherine Cowles

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(Wrecked #1)

GOODREADS – AMAZON – AUTHOR WEBSITE

I loved him before I knew what the word meant.
From skinned knees to first dates and everything in between.
But he was never mine to love.
I settled for friendship, even though I always wanted more.
That was before.
Before he ripped my world apart and didn’t bother sticking around to help me pick up the pieces.
I knit every last shred back together all on my own.
And I’ve all but forgotten his name.
Now, he’s back, and everything is torn apart once more.
But he’s not the only one doing the tearing this time.
And there might be no stopping the person who has it out for us both.

RELEASE DATE: May 12, 2020

I’d miss her like a lost limb, ghost pains and longing for something that no longer existed plaguing me daily.
-Ford

Not my first read by the author, she is a new-ish author to me. I have read one previous book by author and LOVED IT! So this I was so excited about since it’s also a new book and series! That said I am always honest in my review’s even when it’s something that I dislike to read or about the characters, the issue I had with this was and AGAIN this is how I feel about that type of style and situation…I can’t even explain/express it fully because I don’t want to ruin the book, but I don’t very much like the idea of the hero belonging to someone else, close or not. That’s as far as I am able to go because I don’t do spoilers but I had to get that off my chest because it’s just something that I dislike to read or even think about, so personal preference. That also said, it did not ruin the book for me, after I got over my little dislike in every book i’d have read, I absolutely couldn’t get enough of the story line and everything that was happening.

This story really tugs at your heart strings…I had a little bit of issue getting over a tiny little bump at the beginning but aside form that I really was not ready for what was to come. This author has a way with words that you don’t feel like you’re reading but it’s just happening. There is a lot of slow-burning angst here that will keep you on your toes. It’s full of heart and emotion, at times funny, the banter and tension…and SWEET slow burning sensation!!!! And in the end I CAN’T WAIT for more in the series!!

Rating: ★★★★★
Romance: ♡♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥
Type: Book #1 of Series
Recommended: ☑
⇨ H A P P Y – R E A D I N G ⇦

2020 ARCs, April 2020 Review, Friends-To-Lovers, Second Chance Romance, Sizzling, Small Town Romance, Sport Romance, Sports Romance, Tear Jerker, TOP 2020 MUST READ

R E V I E W ➠ Unforgettable by Melanie Harlow

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GOODREADS
AUTHOR WEBSITE

Back then, I had it all.
Wicked fastball. Killer instinct. Cocky grin. Full package.
(And believe me, I knew how to score.)
My senior year, I was a first round draft pick with a two-million-dollar signing bonus. Before I could even legally buy myself a beer, I made my Major League debut.
Point is, I was invincible.
Until one day I wasn’t.
After tanking my career—during the World Series, no less—the last thing I want to do is return to my hometown, where every jerk in a ball cap has an opinion about what went wrong with my arm.
So when my sister drags me back to town for her wedding, I vow to get in and out of there as quickly as possible.
Then I run into April Sawyer.
In high school we were just friends, but I’d always wanted her, and I’d never forgotten her—the red hair, the incredible smile, the crazy, reckless thing we did in the back of my truck the night we said goodbye.
It’s been eighteen years, but one look at her and I feel like my old self again. I can still make her laugh, she can still take me down a notch, and when the chemistry between us explodes, it’s even hotter this time around—and I don’t want it to end.
But just when I think I’m ready to let go of the past and get back in the game, life throws me a curveball I never saw coming.

RELEASE DATE: May 4, 2020

First of, I can;t believe this is THE LAST BOOK in the series *crying* noooo! Also I have read almost all of the author’s books including every one in this series! Still crying because there won’t be anymore, but what an ENDING! *still crying*

First off the hero is Sadie’s big brother, our heroine April used to babysit Sadie back in high school where she also tutored the hero, so they all have history. Now I do not want to spoil any part of this story because it’s rather important and big for the conclusion of this series. If you’ve read the whole series you MIGHT get an idea, but I gotta say I did not expect that ending…and can we talk about that before all? WHY DID IT HAVE TO END?! Ugh, makes me want to re-read the whole series now!

That said, this is something sweet…dark but sweet. I loved April in the previous series book when she’s around and mentioned and so I did not expect anything less of a BANG for her book than this. Things aren’t as they see, watch out for slight curves and grab a couple tissues you might need them at a time or two. It just felt HONEST, like relatable and just real. I am so happy I had the chance to review this, and really wish there was more!!

Rating: 5 out of 5.

TOP 2020 MUST READ!
Romance: ♡♡♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: N/A
Standalone/Series: #5 Series
Type: All Tags on top of this page!
Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY ☑

2020 ARCs, April 2020 Review, Forbidden Romance, Friends-To-Lovers, Sizzling, Sport Romance, Sports Romance, TOP 2020 MUST READ

R E V I E W ➠ A Secret for A Secret by Helena Hunting

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(All In #3)

GOODREADS – AMAZON – AUTHOR WEBSITE

My name is Ryan Kingston, and I’m a rule follower. I’ve never been in a fistfight. I always obey the speed limit. I don’t get drunk, and I definitely don’t pick up random women at bars.
Except the night I found out that my whole existence has been a lie.
I got drunk. And picked up a stranger.
Her name was Queenie, and she was everything I’m not: reckless, impulsive, and chaotic. We did shots and traded secrets. And ended up naked at my place.
She left me a thank-you note in the morning and her panties as a parting gift. But no way to contact her.
Six weeks later I’m sitting in the first official team meeting of the season, and there she is. I neglected to mention that I’m the goalie for Seattle’s NHL team.
And Queenie? Turns out she’s the general manager’s daughter.

RELEASE DATE: May 12, 2020

Not my first read by the author (she is one of my favorites) and I have read all the previous books in this series which I was in love with every single one of them!! So, you can say I was a bit excited for this one also!

Well this was a pleasant surprise,  I wont lie and say that a little into it I though: oh, this is kind of a familiar trope and story line…but then I got to know King & Queenie…wow these two couldn’t be any more polar opposite. While King is the level headed, smart, concentrated and conservative type…Queenie is the rebel, act first think later, beautiful and fun woman. They came together…wait for it, NOT in a night of heat and passion…why you ask? well, if you asked the hero and heroine, THEY wouldn’t be able to recall all of it themselves. There is something about Ryan (King) Kingston that moved me, in all the funny and sexy ways. He comes off different, proper but naughty and yet still alpha and protective…you can’t not love him, honestly. Now Queenie, she is definitely reckless, but I was not prepared for that bomb. This is not a story line to take for granted, i was wowed the whole rest of the time and couldn’t get enough of it. Not your typical hockey romance with a not typical hero, you’ll love even if he’s a bit quirky.

TOP 2020 MUST READ!
Rating: ★★★★★
Romance: ♡♡♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Type: Book #3 of Series
Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY ☑
⇨ H A P P Y – R E A D I N G ⇦

2020 ARCs, Angsty, April 2020 Review, Friends-To-Lovers, MUST READS!, Rom-Com, Sizzling, Surprise Baby, TOP 2020 MUST READ

R E V I E W ➠ Working For It by BJ Harvey

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(Cook Brothers #5)
GOODREADS
AUTHOR WEBSITE

It started one night in Vegas over a naughty cocktail and dirty banter. Eight months of bedded bliss later, Gilly Nelson says the two words Ezra Baker never saw coming:
“I’m pregnant.”
Twice-divorced Ezra has always acted first, thought it through later. Except in Gilly he finds an equal; a strong-willed, independent woman who doesn’t need his money or kind heart to get ahead. She just wants him.
Career-focused Gilly never imagined she’d be thirty-five, single and pregnant. Except when Ezra suggests they date rather than just mate, she finds herself wondering whether the man she’s been looking for has been in her bed all along.
If they can survive raging hormones, house renovations, and the realities of childbirth, surely creating a family will be a walk in the park…right?
***
Working For It is a full-length house flipping romantic comedy that can be read as a complete standalone and is the fifth and final book in the Cook Brothers series. Working For It is Ezra Baker’s story.

RELEASE DATE: May 6, 2020

Not my first read by the author & I have read all the books in this series so I am familiar with the crew and writing style of course. I am a forever fan of BJ…she really writes sweet, sexy and funny books! This one was romantic on a whole new level!

Ezra has got to be one of my favorites in this series, I knew we’d get something else form him from the previous books but my gosh did I fall in love with him…actually with Gilli as well…not only is she strong, independent and beautiful but has the biggest heart and isn’t afraid to show her emotions. Ez is a sweetheart but in a alpha sexy way, I really REALLY LOVED HIM! This has a mixture of fun, surprise, sexy and let’s not forget this whole series has a lot of rom-com and this did not disappoint it. You get to watch two people navigate something that could have gone differently but they both chose the right path for themselves…now the question is can they overcome everything being thrown in at once?!

Rating: 5 out of 5.

TOP 2020 MUST READ!
Romance: ♡♡♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: NA
Standalone/Series: Series Book #5
Type: All Tags on top of this page!
Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY ☑

2020 ARCs, April 2020 Review, Fake Relationship, Friends-To-Lovers, Second Chance Romance, Slow Burn

R E V I E W ➠ The Kiss Keeper a (Ever Romantically After Collection) by Krista Sandor

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GOODREADS
AUTHOR WEBSITE

The abs are hard. The kisses are countless. And the happily ever afters will leave you breathless…but no one said getting there would be easy.
With billionaire bad boys, second chance lovers, sexy royals, delicious daddies, secret babies, and more of your favorite contemporary romance tropes, there’s something for everyone in this collection of 24 contemporary romance novels from today’s USA Today bestselling, award-winning, and rising star authors.
Twenty-four chances to find Mr. Right. What could go wrong?
These original, standalone, full-length novels are packed with unforgettable emotions and surprising twists in romances ranging from sweet to scorching, suspenseful to comedic, and everything in between.
Fans of Jill Shalvis, EL James, and Sophia Kinsella will devour Romantically Ever After.

Don’t miss the chance to set your device ablaze. Get your naughty or nice girl fix here and feast on twenty-four tantalizingly hot leading men when you scroll up and one-click to discover these hot new book boyfriends today!

Featuring stories from:
USA Today Bestselling Author Tessa Layne
10 Million-Selling Author Kailin Gow
Diana Nixon
Alyssa Daring
Ja’Nese Dixon
Award-Winning Author Celeste Straub
Emelia Blair
Reagan Phillips
Jasmin Miller
S.E. Rose
Ella Jade
Celeste Granger
R.L. Kenderson
Krista Sandor
Award-Winning Author Amy Proebstel
USA Today Bestselling Author Samantha Morgan
Robin Stone
Krissy V
Scarlett Sincaid
A.C. Pontone
Isla Olsen
H.M. Shander
Esme Wilde

RELEASE DATE: May 12, 2020

Not my first read by the author & I have read every single book she wrote! I was excited to see something something from Krista on a book-let like this. The first few pages alone were SWEET & exciting!

This was a shorter but oh so sweeter read! I wasn’t sure what to expect but did see it coming, just not the way it played out. Here we have a heroine that runs into some bad luck….most her life, all because of a curse. And a hero that promised he’d never let himself feel again. But there is a huge twist, I can’t say because well spoiler free and all but these two may have a lot more in common than they think. It’s bitter sweet for the hero once he finds out and everything then will seem small co pared to the bigger picture.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

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

2020 ARCs, April 2020 Review, Novella, Sizzling

R E V I E W ➠ Vow’s That Bind Us by K.L. Clare

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R E V I E W ➠ Vow’s That Bind Us by K.L. Clare
(Beautiful White Lies #1.5)
GOODREADS
AUTHOR WEBSITE

ELLIE
Will needs marriage vows, and I need him.
We’ll celebrate our union with a beautiful Christmastime wedding in England.
WILL
Ellie needs the strength of our bond, and I need to know that she’s forever mine.
The lies will keep until after I’ve made her my wife.

RELEASE DATE: MAY 4, 2020

Not my first read by the author, and I have read all her books meaning I have read the original books to this hero and heroine. This is a very short but sweet novella of Will & Ellie’s wedding…without giving anything away I will say that if you loved Lies That Bind Us this will be a SWEET treat. If you haven’t read it yet A MUST…then jump to this and get more of that ALPHA PROTECTOR Will action!

Rating: 5 out of 5.

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

2020 ARCs, Angsty, April 2020 Review, Dark Romance, Mysery, Sizzling, Suspense Romance, TOP 2020 MUST READ

R E V I E W ➠ Blowback by Monica James

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(The Monsters Within Duet #2)
GOODREADS
AUTHOR WEBSITE

This was supposed to be simple. Vengeance was mine. But I should know by now that nothing in life is easy.
My endgame has changed all because I met someone who wishes I was dead. Yet her hatred is the only thing saving her from The Big Bad. My lies protect her, so the harder she hates, the safer she is.
The thing about love and hate—it skates a very thin line. I need to stay away. It’s better for everyone if I do. But fighting this is like fighting nature.
Our paths crossed for a reason, and my Tiger isn’t fooled. Once the smoke clears, she will see every player, including me. I don’t deserve a second chance. But I want one…because I want her. The question is, what happens when the truth is finally revealed?
With the end in sight, I can promise you there will be nothing but violence and mayhem.
Oh yes, blood will be shed. 

RELEASE DATE: May 7, 2020

Not my first read by the author and won’t be my last. I have of course read Book #1 which at this point I don’t need to say would be a great idea to read first, I mean if you want to go backward…by all means to each it’s own, no judgement…but read Book #1 🙂 That said I sadly can not give out too much because it really really would ruin the story line…and since I am a SPOILER FREE review’er I will do my best! MIND-BLOWING is one word I can describe this DUO…all in all Monica really knows her words and her dark romance is right on that line…

This conclusion was everything you would want from the book 1 WORLD we got…I don’t know how to explain it besides that I felt like I was part of the world, like on the sideline and this is being filmed but in real life. The dark, the deception, the hurt, the pain…it all felt real as did the sexiness of this, both characters volubility, their strength…alone they may have been broken but together not only strong but they didn’t even know themselves HOW strong together they were. Pull and push, angst, just plain beautiful! When it came down for revenge…this twist and turn conclusion will have you on the edge of your seat!

Rating: 5 out of 5.

TOP 2020 MUS TREAD list! (DUO)
Romance: ♡♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: N/A
Standalone/Series: Book #2 of Duo
Type: All Tags on top of this page!
Recommended: ☑

2020 ARCs, April 2020 Review, Dark Romance, Enemy-To-Lovers, Forbidden Romance, Mysery, Sizzling, Suspense Romance, Tear Jerker, TOP 2020 MUST READ

R E V I E W ➠ Road To Fire by Maria Luis

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(Broken Crown Trilogy #1)
GOODREADS
AUTHOR WEBSITE

“I’m not scared of you.”
I meet her gaze. “You should be.”
Bound by a secret oath spanning generations, I am loyal to no one but the queen.
Spy.
Defender of the Crown.
To all of England, I’m Saxon Priest. Traitor. Murderer. Owner of London’s most infamous anti-loyalist pub.
And then she appears.
Isla Quinn may claim that she’s only looking to bus tables, but I’m no fool. Bitterness bleeds from her hard-blue eyes, and her hatred for the queen is so palpable, I can practically taste it off every sharp-tongued word slipping from her full mouth.
“Hire me,” she begs.
Won opposite sides of this war. Enemies from the start.
Isla thought she found an ally, but she’s found me instead.
Savage.
Ruthless.
A man with no heart, no matter how the dead space inside my chest lurches whenever she’s near.
And so I lean over, dragging her deep into this twisted game of crowns and thrones, and offer a single vow: “I could use you.”

RELEASE DATE: April 30, 2020

The palest green eyes I’ve ever encountered fixate on me. Fixate, and don’t waver, as though that one glance has gifted him the opportunity to bare my soul and steal every last one of my secrets.

-Isla

“I don’t get into cars with strangers.”
“I saved you.”
“You want to sack me!”
“Semantics.”

I don’t know where to begin but with a WOW! simply I am taken back by this style and words and everything coming from Maria. Absolutely couldn’t stop reading from page 1. I am a fan of WELL DONE DARK ROMANCE and she just knocked it out of the park. Holy molly was i captivated!!!

I can’t give you much on the book because i don’t do spoilers but i really don’t want to spoil one bit of this, but I’ll try my best to give you a glimpse. First of its action packed from the beginning, goes in strong. its a international-romance in the world revolving the king & queen. An organization sworn to its duty, a woman with a secret and a man so dark, brutal, cold…that you’ll be so proud of the heroine. For all her faults and weaknesses, HIM is not one of them!

Truly truly Wish i had book 2 and 3 to continue reading back to back. I’ll go as far to say that this should definitely be a movie, one which even my non-romantic husband would watch. It kind of has everything from deception, action, captivating story line and plot, unique and amazing characters, romance, sexiness, darkness and even heart. Simply plain a top 2020 must read & I am looking forward to the remainder of this trilogy. p.s. that ending, was not expecting that AT ALL!!

Rating: 5 out of 5.

TOP 2020 MUST READ!
Romance: ♡♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: Killing
Standalone/Series: Book #1 of Trilogy
Type: All Tags on top of this page!
Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY ☑

2020 ARCs, April 2020 Review, Enemy-To-Lovers, MUST READS!, Office-Romance, Sizzling, Slow Burn

R E V I E W ➠ Artful Lies by Jodi Ellen Malpas

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GOODREADS
AUTHOR WEBSITE

An irresistible connection, a desire that won’t let go…
When aspiring antiques dealer Eleanor Cole is handed the chance of a lifetime to work for the Hunt Corporation, the renowned antiques dealers, she doesn’t think twice. Only to discover she’ll be working up close and personal with the notorious and insanely irresistible Becker Hunt. He is a man famous for getting what he wants, and Becker wants Eleanor.
But as Becker pulls her deeper into his world, she discovers there’s more to him than meets the eye.
And falling for Becker goes from being foolish to dangerous…

RELEASE DATE: April 30, 2020

Not my first read by the author, not only is she a favorite author but also someone I have read when I first started reading and reading romance many moons ago. Also, yes I have read every single of her books, so I am ready! And was I not ready for the amazing BECKER! INSTA-LOVE!!

Turns out that the not so little and more like very handsome and sexy cab-thief is now her boss. These two really run around each other and along the way you’ll get fun, laughter, swooning, sexiness and little but of suspense. Everything about them two will suck you into their little world. Their insta-chemistry down to their banter and foreplay. This is what a JODI style book and writing is to me and I am beyond happy to have this and have read it. A MUST READ! Looking forward to more!

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Romance: ♡♡♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥+
Recommended ☑ HIGHLY ☑
Triggers: N/A
Standalone/Series: Series Book #1

2020 ARCs, Angsty, April 2020 Review, Enemy-To-Lovers, Forbidden Romance, Sizzling, Slow Burn

R E V I E W ➠ The Hating Season by K.A. Linde

by The Guide To Romance Novels1 Comment on R E V I E W ➠ The Hating Season by K.A. Linde
(Seasons #2)

GOODREADS – AMAZON – AUTHOR WEBSITE

Court Kensington is a thorn in my side.
I’m hired to clean up his badboy image, which would’ve been easy if my life wasn’t falling apart.
First, I catch my movie star husband having an affair with his co-star. Then when I return to work, my job is at stake, because Court has gotten himself into trouble…again.
Instead of getting him back in line, I find myself falling for his charm. And into his bed. And against the wall. And, and, and…
Except Kensington charm shouldn’t work on me. Not when I’ve sworn to never ever sleep with a client.
I had good intentions.
I really did.
But we all know the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

RELEASE DATE: April 28, 2020

Not my first read by the author but my first official review. I have not read Book #1 in this series, I jumped right into this one. What caught my eye was the cover & blurb!

Since I am not familiar except one or two books a long time ago with the style and tone, I was little disappointed that I did not like the tone and characters. The story line was good and the flow was easy but something about the hero and heroine. Here is why: the heroine was strong yes but she was more aggressive strong which to ME is a slight turn off, she was very pushy I don’t know how to express it. I felt emotion for her when her movie star husband cheated but the way to all went about was a little ‘whoa’ for me, little too strong upfront. She is a publicist and so the hero happens to be one of her clients, hired by his mother who was running for governor in the state of NY. The hero rubbed me the wrong way, it was more arrogant preppy type than alpha hero. Everything about their dynamic was off TO ME. That said, this is the reason for my rating, I very much appreciate the writing which was amazing and the tone though. This also said, I hope whoever is reading my review understands that I love what I love as far as it goes in a book, so just because this book wasn’t fully my cup of tea doesn’t mean that the next person won’t love it…that’s the beauty of being a reader…we are all different.

Rating: 4.5★
Romance: ♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥
Type: Book #2 of Series
Recommended: ☑
⇨ H A P P Y – R E A D I N G ⇦