MUST READS! – REVIEW'S

2020 ARCs, Angsty, Friends-To-Lovers, May 2020 Reviews, MUST READS!, Rock Stars, Slow Burn, Suspense Romance, Tear Jerker

R E V I E W ➠ Catch Me When I Fall by A.L. Jackson

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

GOODREADS

AUTHOR WEBSITE

AMAZON

Sometimes trying to catch a star will light your whole world on fire….
Emily’s entire existence is wrapped up in touring with her up-and-coming country rock band Carolina George and trying to build them into a music legend. Her passionate night with a gorgeous, tattooed bad boy was the result of too much time on the road, too much tequila and combustible physical chemistry. It was never supposed to follow her into the light of day, much less threaten everything she and the band have worked so hard to create.
Royce’s night with the lead singer of Carolina George was the worst mistake of his life. He needs the band to sign on to his record label or his family will pay the price. But will his irresistible attraction to Emily destroy his carefully laid plans?
Royce’s past is littered with mistakes and heartache – will his love for Emily be just one more tragedy?

RELEASE DATE: June 1, 2020

Not my first read by the author and ot my last, AMY happens to be one of my top favorite author’s and I have read all her books. I have also read all the books in the series and want, no, need more!

What a heart-wrenching twist of fate. wow. i had to stop myself repeatedly from reading too fast because I didn’t want to miss a beat. talk about having your heart beat out of your chest feeling.
This was truly and oh-so-heartbreakingly beautiful. The hero and heroines lives so intertwined yet so far away. Neither wanted to happen what they couldn’t deny, but when the truth came out…IT. WILL. BREAK. YOU. That’s all i am going to say. Be prepared. You can assure that the hero and heroine are the type you fall in love and get so caught up with you forget that you are reading and not living through them. It’s a slow burn, but a sweet one, two souls TWO BROKEN SOULS that are meant to be but having a hard time finding their joint path…when they do, it will both break them.

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

2020 ARCs, Angsty, Dark Romance, Enemy-To-Lovers, May 2020 Reviews, MUST READS!, Second Chance Romance, Sizzling, Slow Burn, Suspense Romance, Tear Jerker, Triggers

R E V I E W ➠ Black Tangled Heart by Samantha Young

May 10, 2020by The Guide To Romance NovelsLeave a Comment

GOODREADS

AUTHOR WEBSITE

AMAZON

To my siblings, Jane was a friend. A pseudo-sister, the girl we grew up with.
To me? She was everything.
Our passion consumed us.
When our world fell apart, I thought our love would be the thing that held us together.
She was the love of my life. But she abandoned me when I needed her most.
And I’ll never forgive her.
For years I’ve been planning my revenge against the people who took everything from me.
Jane won’t be an exception. I’m coming for her.
She knows it.
She says she wants to help me serve my version of justice on the people who hurt me.
I’ll let her.
She probably thinks it will save her from me.
It won’t.

RELEASE DATE: May 14, 2020

Not my first read by the author, she happens to be one of my firsts many moons ago. So I am very familiar with her style but HELLO was I shocken with this. I did not know that enemy-to and ANTI-HERO came from the sweet Samantha! Okay, I kind of am not suprised but it was really really good. I haven’t read her books in a while therefore this was a good shock for me. I will note that I have not read Book 1 & 2 in this series but I have read the 2.5 Book Hold On.

What captures me the most in this story is that it was so relatable that I didn’t even know I was just reading at times, the events and actions…it was…it broke my heart but I was still lusting after it. First you get hit with the before, and it’s fierce young love then you get hit with the ugly and real…and then finally the present. I don’t do spoilers and if I don’t want what I type I might blur something out…it’s really one of those books that you do NOT want the spoilers because it’s that amazing! All I will say is don’t always believe what other’s say!

H A P P Y – R E A D I N G!

MUST READ!
Romance: ♡♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: Yes (but would be spoilers)
Standalone/Series: Standalone
Type: All Tags on top of this page!
Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY ☑

2020 ARCs, Enemy-To-Lovers, Friends-To-Lovers, May 2020 Reviews, MUST READS!, Rom-Com, Slow Burn

R E V I E W ➠ Love Under Quarantine by Kylie Scott & Audrey Carlan

May 8, 2020by The Guide To Romance NovelsLeave a Comment

GOODREADS

AUTHOR WEBSITE (Kylie)

AUTHOR WEBSITE (Audrey)

While the world is ravaged by a global pandemic, hotshot NFL running back Evan Sparks is locked in his own personal hell. With a career-ending scandal on his back, Evan hides out in his best friend’s empty San Francisco home, the full city shutdown locking him in a lonely twenty-story apartment in the sky.
Romance writer Sadie Walsh is having the worst case of writer’s block ever…until the incredible, muscular stranger staying next door gets her muse going strong. The pair of loners, never expecting to find a friend in all the madness, meet each day out on their balconies like a modern-day Romeo and Juliet.
Each new day brings unique challenges for the pair as they navigate the unknown and find solace together. They quickly figure out that as long as they have one another, they can handle anything.
Even falling in love under quarantine.

RELEASE DATE: May 5, 2020

Not my first read by either author, I read Audrey’s book when I first started many moons ago and Kylie wasn’t too far after that so i am familiar with their writing style and all. And yes I have loved every book I’ve read by them!

What a sweet and fun story! I was hooked from the get-go. Everything actual happening was right on spot and the rest just flowed very well. The combo of author’s here is unreal because they both are very different but when together you get the best of both worlds. I really hope we get more from the ladies!!

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

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

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

(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?!

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, Enemy-To-Lovers, MUST READS!, Office-Romance, Sizzling, Slow Burn

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

April 21, 2020April 24, 2020by The Guide To Romance NovelsLeave a Comment

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!

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

2020 ARCs, Angsty, April 2020 Review, Brother's Best Friend, Enemy-To-Lovers, Forbidden Romance, MUST READS!, Sizzling, Slow Burn

R E V I E W ➠ Love On Beach Avenue by Jennifer Probst

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

GOODREADS – AMAZON – AUTHOR WEBSITE

Avery Sunshine might not have a soul mate of her own, but she still believes in happily ever after—for her clients. Making dreams come true is her business at Sunshine Bridal, which she runs with her two sisters. When her best friend announces her engagement, Avery is thrilled to take charge of the giddy bride-to-be’s big day. Less thrilling? Her best friend’s arrogant and demanding brother, who just so happens to be the man of honor.
Carter Ross’s first instinct: call 911. He promised to always take care of his impulsive little sister, and he honors that vow. Even if it means taking over her wedding, where he is sure Avery will fail. At best, Avery is unpredictable. At worst, if she’s anything like the spitfire of a college girl he remembers, the main event could run wild.
With Avery and Carter wrestling for control, tempers heat up. So does the spark of attraction they’re fighting with every kiss. As the wedding draws near, it’s time to reconcile a rocky past and make a decision that could change everyone’s lives. Because what they’re rebelling against looks a lot like love.

RELEASE DATE: May 1, 2020

Not my first read by this author, she happens to be one of my very first reads and a favorite author!!

Avery: She has a nick for giving people what they want before they even know it. That’s why she is perfect at her job, wedding planning. Even if that one time, a ex almost ruined a wedding. She’s very head strong, beautiful, super smart, sassy and can hold her ground. Her capacity of love is un-measurable, just plain loved the heroine through out the entire book!
Carter: Is a strong, sexy , successful and very competitive man who can’t understand how his little sister is getting married. He is not ready to let her go fully, but when she asks him to be her man of honor, he can’t say no to her. Carter buds his head into EVERYTHING Avery has planned, meaning he is no on-the-side-line Man OH nooo, he gets a joy from riling up Avery. After all she is the first woman to make him feel anything after all the years.

This is where two clash, one wedding planner and one man that is very OCD and has to be and have control. They both re so alike, determined, hard working, smart, hard-headed, stubborn and lonely even though neither would admit that. Their banter and little games at times got really frustrating but in a fun way, loved seeing them go head to head…*sigh* it’s a sweet can-and-mouse game because when they both swore they’d never get feeling involved to protect them selves…one falls first and when the other WON’T CHASE…well that’s where this heartfelt story turns! A MUST READ!!

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

2020 ARCs, Angsty, April 2020 Review, Cowboy Romance, Friends-To-Lovers, MUST READS!, Second Chance Romance, Sizzling, Small Town Romance

R E V I E W ➠ Here With Me by Tia Louise

April 15, 2020May 6, 2020by The Guide To Romance NovelsLeave a Comment

GOODREADS – AMAZON – AUTHOR WEBSITE

Sawyer LaGrange.
He’s my best friend’s older brother.
He’s quiet, brooding, sinfully sexy …
Dark hair, a scruffy square jaw, and deep lines of muscle I trace my fingers along slowly, followed by my lips…
He always does what’s right.
Until me…
They say you get in life what you have the courage to ask for.
Well, I’m brave.
And I want him.
Secrets.
Everybody has them.
Big, small, innocent… forbidden.
Mindy was a line I should never have crossed.
But I did.
She was beautiful… sassy and tempting,
And rules were made to be broken.
We broke them all.
Now I’m home, released from service with hidden scars.
Now my secrets are the demons that grow stronger every day.
I try to send her away, but I can’t let her go.
She’s my reason to fight, and I’ll walk through hell to be the man she deserves.
To give her a reason to stay here with me.

(HERE WITH ME is a STAND-ALONE best friend’s older brother, second-chance, military romance. No cheating. No cliffhangers.)

RELEASE DATE: April 20, 2020

Not my first read by the author and I have read almost every single one of her books! Every time she comes out with a book I get excited to read!! First off this hero is the brother of the heroine Noel from Wait For Me and the heroine is Noel’s best friend Mindy. So get ready for second chance romance with a twist!

Our hero here is not your normal broken this and that, he is much deeper…and to be honest when reading his thoughts and words…makes you understand him so much yet want to reach in and help. The heroine is the sweetest, she has always been in love with the hero, but never the right time. She is smart, so talented, beautiful, fun and the biggest heart…but them together is kind of like a magnet, you know they belong together but sometimes slip off. If I had to pick a tiny slaw it would be the heroine playing small little games at times, I understood but to me it was that tiny little thing if I had to find it. Aside from all that, this sis a beautifully broken story that will tear you apart and put you back together by SAWYER himself…so sweet and heartbreaking to watch him fight and fight for her!

A MUST READ!
Rating: ★★★★★
Romance: ♡♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Type: Standalone (I recommend reading Wait For Me) CLICK HERE
Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY ☑
⇨ H A P P Y – R E A D I N G ⇦

2020 ARCs, April 2020 Review, Friends-To-Lovers, MUST READS!, Rom-Com, Second Chance Romance, Sizzling, Slow Burn, Small Town Romance

R E V I E W ➠ She Loves Me by Melissa Foster

April 13, 2020by The Guide To Romance Novels1 Comment

GOODREADS – AMAZON – AUTHOR WEBSITE

What are two besties willing to risk for something more? The New York Times bestselling author of This Is Love has the answer in this fun, sexy, and emotional romance about friendship, family, and giving love a chance.
Something is off in Piper Dalton’s life, and she has a feeling it might just be her. All her siblings are blissfully settled with their forever loves. But while her sisters were dreaming of white weddings, Piper was left heartbroken and commitment phobic by her first love, her best friend’s younger brother. As a woman dominating the male-driven construction industry, Piper has no interest in turning in her hammer for an apron—even if hot and hilarious Harley thinks otherwise.
Burly bar owner Harley Dutch has a bum ankle and two preteen nieces to take care of, and having his best friend, tough-as-nails and sexy-as-sin Piper Dalton, come to his rescue is just the remedy he needs. Piper is her snarky self, and she kind of sucks at caregiving, but she’s owned his heart for years, she’s got a way with the girls, and Harley would sure like to have his way with her…
As things heat up between Piper and Harley, she warns him not to fall in love with her because she’ll only break his heart. Harley is the right man for that challenge—until he makes the biggest mistake of his life, and they begin to wonder if true love really can conquer all.

RELEASE DATE: April 21, 2020

Not my first read by the author, she is a top favorite one as a matter of fact. I also have read the other books in the series. I was little skeptical about this one, because it’s Piper the strong, tom-boy, self sufficient, funny and again STRONG heroine. Those tend to turn me off, sadly it did but only for a few pages, I knew the way MF writes heroines that they are the good kind of strong. So, I absolutely devoured the book after a few pages!.

I really loved them together. Their banter, easy going friendship and sizzling feeling they were both trying to deny for one another. Stolen moments is what this book is all about for me, it feels a little forbidden and new and exciting, I loved watching them dodge each other all while really wanting to explore. My heart melted with this one, when there is so much happening Piper *sigh* her big heart will make you fall in love with her from the bat and Harley, as much as a jokester he is, when he lets go…absolutely BEST BOOKBOYFRIEND. Everything about this book, and I know I’ve said this before about one of her books but this is how amazing she is…about every single book I’ve read by MF I have loved! This one is just special, beautiful, sweet, SWOONY, romantic, fun and sexy! Everything you’d want in a friends to romance book!

A 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!, Single Mom, Sizzling, Slow Burn, Small Town Romance

R E V I E W ➠ Just One Kiss by Layla Hagen

April 7, 2020by The Guide To Romance NovelsLeave a Comment

GOODREADS – AMAZON – AUTHOR WEBSITE

Everyone associates the name Ryker Winchester with money, power plays, negotiations…it’s what I’m good at. In the boardroom, I get exactly what I want. In the bedroom, there’s no difference.
I was wholly unprepared for Heather.
She’s a feisty single mom, challenging me in ways no woman ever has. I can’t get enough of her. The way she gives in to me is intoxicating, but I need more than hot nights and sexy dates.
When she introduces me to her daughter, I fall for that little girl hook, line and sinker. No one has ever played me for a fool like that kid can do with a single dimpled grin. I want to keep them both.
Heather’s been hurt before. She’s hanging by a thread and doesn’t trust easily, but I want more than just some fun. How can I show her that we can build something incredible together?

RELEASE DATE: April 14, 2020

Not my first read by the author, love Layla’s books, but I have not read book #1 in this series, which I hope to get to soon…yes even backwards. I am so glad I read this because reading book 1 will be a MUST if it’s as good as this!

Ryker is a successful businessman, has it all, but his favorite is playing the guitar nightly at a local bar. Que in single-mom Heather who is feisty, sassy and so sweet. They don’t have much interaction that first meet but Ryker comes to the rescue…in many ways. When they see each other again, not only are they drawn to one another but the sparks fly, really fly. I absolutely LOVE them together…and I can’t say this enough but Ryker is a whole new level of SWOONY, the way he is with Heather’s daughter *sigh* everything about this book was charming, exciting, romantic and beautiful!

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

2020 ARCs, Angsty, March 2020 Review, MUST READS!, Second Chance Romance, Sizzling, Small Town Romance, Suspense Romance, Tear Jerker, Uniform Romance

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

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

GOODREADS – AMAZON – AUTHOR WEBSITE

Buried secrets never stay hidden in the South.
Kallie
I fell in love with him when I was seven. I scraped my knee, and he helped carry me inside.
Our love story was the talk of the town until a woman told everyone she was pregnant with his baby. The only rational solution was to high tail it out of town and never come back.
My best friend needed a place to hide, and you can’t get much more covert than my family farm, so I came back. For her. It was supposed to be temporary, and I wasn’t supposed to see him, but that’s what happens when you live in a small town where everyone knows each other.
Jacob
Being the sheriff in a small town was never my dream. My father died and my older brother took off, so I had to be the one to look after my mother. I stayed. I fulfilled my duties as a son and I protected my hometown.
My life wasn’t perfect, but I was content. Until I locked eyes with a ghost from my past, Kallie. I thought it was my imagination, it couldn’t be. I loved her most of my life, but now I hated her.
The town gossip mill was going into overdrive. I kept my head down and my mind off of the woman who shattered my heart when she ran away. She didn’t give me a chance to explain, it didn’t matter to her then. I didn’t matter.
A second chance is never promised, but now that mine is right under my nose, I’m not sure I can take it.

RELEASE DATE: March 17, 2020

“I feel like I’m dreaming,” I say, “and I’m afraid I’m going to wake.”
-kALLIE

Not my firs read by the author, she is one of my favorites & I was excited for this new series! And boy was I excited…I wasn’t sure what to expect going in and Natasha does not disappoint!

This is a story of a second-chance romance that is do in depth, you’re not going to be able to figure out which emotion to have first. The hero is a boy turned man that only wanted to do the right thing, the selfless thing…to which he did, only at what price! The heroine is a girl turned woman that knows not to be close but also fearing that if she doesn’t lay it to rest, she will never be able to be free. It’s a beautiful and fast pace at times love story that will pull at your heartstrings! I am looking forward to more in this series so much!!

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

SOUTHERN COMFORT
Buried secrets never stay hidden in the South.

Olivia
When you find out that your fiancé is arrested for swindling over ten million dollars from his clients, you do what any sane woman would do. You escape reality and go undercover, trading in your city-girl Louboutins for country-pumpkin cowboy boots.

It wasn’t a forever change—it was temporary. I only had to stay here until things back home got straightened out, or so I thought.

Casey

I was riding horses before I was walking, or at least that was what they told me. I always knew I would take over the family farm. It’s in my blood.

Country boy at heart, the minute I saw her dragging her luggage up the gravel driveway I knew she was out of my league.

I shouldn’t have started anything with her, because I knew she was just passing through.

COMING APRIL 14, 2020