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Spotlight Review: THE WAITING by Michael Connelly

October 15, 2024

A Renée Ballard and Harry Bosch Novel, Book 6

From the Publisher:

LAPD Detective Renée Ballard tracks a serial rapist whose trail has gone cold, and enlists a new volunteer to the Open-Unsolved Unit: Patrol Officer Maddie Bosch, Harry’s daughter.

Renée Ballard and the LAPD’s Open-Unsolved Unit get a hot shot DNA connection between a recently arrested man and a serial rapist and murderer who went quiet twenty years ago. The arrested man is only twenty-four, so the genetic link must be familial: His father was the Pillowcase Rapist, responsible for a five-year reign of terror in the city of angels. But when Ballard and her team move in on their suspect, they encounter a baffling web of secrets and legal hurdles.

Meanwhile, Ballard’s badge, gun, and ID are stolen—a theft she can’t report without giving her enemies in the department ammunition to end her career as a detective. She works the burglary alone, but her mission draws her into unexpected danger. With no choice but to go outside the department for help, she knocks on the door of Harry Bosch.

At the same time, Ballard takes on a new volunteer to the cold case unit: Bosch’s daughter Maddie, now a patrol officer. But Maddie has an ulterior motive for getting access to the city’s library of lost souls—a case that may be the most iconic in the city’s history. Complex, satisfying, and full of dexterous twists, The Waiting demonstrates once more that “you can’t do better than Michael Connelly” (Forbes).

“Unputdownable . . . White-hot suspense guaranteed to please his fans. This ranks with Connelly’s best.”―Publishers Weekly (starred)

“A Hawaiian coda provides the best news of all: This distinguished series has plenty of miles to go. Aloha, and hooray.”―Kirkus Reviews

“Connelly’s name on the cover guarantees a great read; his latest is no exception. The story follows the cases methodically and realistically, and the characters continue to grow. With a TV series on Amazon Prime coming soon starring Maggie Q as Renée Ballard, this novel will generate more interest than usual.” ―Library Journal (starred)

https://amzn.to/4eUnYqw

Let me start by saying this: Michael Connelly has never phoned it in, or slacked or in any way. Every one of his books is carefully researched and written with the sort of sensibility we expect from Connelly, yet he never panders. If you haven’t read Connelly, you are in for a treat. If you have, this book is everything you would expect; totally engrossing and fast-paced, with twists and red herrings laid out much like the freeways in Los Angeles with its extensive network of interconnected highways, until the supremely satisfying ending.

While Harry Bosch has his name on the front cover, he has but a few pivotal scenes. On the other hand, his daughter, Maddie, is more prominent. Maddie has a significant lead on the infamous Black Dahlia murder, which was never solved. She takes what she knows to Renée Ballard, head of the Open-Unsolved unit in the Los Angeles Police Department, and asks to volunteer for the unit. But because she is already a cop, the union insists she must be paid and cannot work as a volunteer. Luckily, Ballard has a grant with enough discretionary money to pay Maddie, plus she welcomes having another badge in the unit. But politics rears its ugly head when the District Attorney won’t close the Black Dahlia case.

The squad has been working on an old serial rapist case as well, and they get a jolt when a DNA match comes up – not for the perpetrator, but for a family member, almost certainly his son. They follow every lead which takes some interesting turns along the way.

Ballard is also working on another case, but she is keeping it to herself and Harry Bosch. Ballard is a surfer; that’s where she finds peace in her life. But after a morning ride, she gets back to her car to find her badge, gun, wallet, etc have been stolen. The thief was kind enough to leave her hide-a-key on the seat so she could at least get herself to work. But she is afraid if she reports her badge and gun have been stolen, her job will be in jeopardy. So she investigates on her own, eventually with a little help from Harry.

All these cases keep the pages turning, and these characters bring life to the investigations. I don’t read many mysteries or thrillers these days; I prefer to escape into the silliness of romcoms and the happy endings of romance. That said, there are a couple of authors I won’t miss, and Connelly leads the list. This is another excellent read from one of my favorite authors.

10/2024 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE WAITING by Michael Connelly. Little, Brown and Company (October 15, 2024). ISBN:‎ 978-0316563796. 416p.

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ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY by Susan Mallery

October 11, 2024

From the publisher:

Susan Mallery, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Boardwalk Bookshop, returns with the joyful and utterly irresistible story of a mother who couldn’t love her kids more but hopes that, just this once, they please don’t come home for Christmas. Perfect for fans of Mary Kay Andrews and Julie Murphy!

Julie Parker’s kids are her greatest gift. Still, she’s not exactly heartbroken when they ask to skip a big Christmas. Her son, Nick, is taking a belated honeymoon with his bride, Blair, while her daughter, Dana, will purge every reminder of the guy who dumped her. Again. Julie feels practically giddy for one-on-one holiday time with Heath, the (much) younger man she’s secretly dating.

But her plans go from cozy to chaotic when Nick and Dana plead for Christmas at the family cabin in memory of their late father, Julie’s ex. She can’t refuse, even though she dreads their reactions to her new man when they realize she’s been hiding him for months.

As the guest list grows in surprising ways, from Blair’s estranged mom to Heath’s precocious children, Julie’s secret is one of many to be unwrapped. Over this delightfully complicated and very funny Christmas, she’ll discover that more really is merrier, and that a big, happy family can become bigger and happier, if they let go of old hurts and open their hearts to love.

“It’s refreshing to read about a slightly older heroine, and her relationship with Heath is both hot and supportive . . . Mallery does a great job capturing both the chaos and the joy of a family Christmas. Readers will be heartened.” –Publishers Weekly

https://amzn.to/4dFvJiP

I love all the holiday books that are out this time of year, and this is a good one! Julie’s been divorced for many years, and she had a good relationship with her ex, which was a good thing since they share two kids who are now grown, but he passed away earlier in the year.

What her family doesn’t know is that she is dating Heath, a man twelve years her junior. Julie isn’t entirely comfortable with the age difference, and fears being ridiculed when people find out. So when her kids end up having plans over the holidays, Julie is secretly thrilled. Heath is divorced and his ex has their much younger kids for the holiday this year, so he is having some work done on his house since they won’t be around. Julie invites him to stay with her for the two weeks the work will take.

But Julie’s kids have a sudden change of heart, and want to spend Christmas with their mom up at the cabin they own where they have spent summers and holidays for many years. They are missing their dad and they feel like this would honor his memory and maybe give them the peace and closure they need. Julie acquiesces, and impulsively invites Heath, too, meaning she has to tell her children about him. Then his ex asks if he could take the kids; her boyfriend has planned a trip away for the two of them. Heath is thrilled to have his kids over the holiday, and while Julie hasn’t met them yet, she invites them to the cabin as well. Her daughter-in-law, who she adores, then tells Julie that her mother has moved to town and asks if she can come along, too. The daughter-in-law and her mother have a terrible relationship, and that really makes things difficult for everyone.

One thing leads to another and Julie has a very full house for Christmas. Luckily, the “cabin” is in actuality a massive house, so there is plenty of room for everyone. Things get more complicated when her daughter’s ex gets shot while working and ends up recuperating at the cabin as well. Then Heath’s ex gets dumped the night before her trip, and Julie ends up inviting her to the cabin too. There is so much drama going on here that it’s a wonder whether anyone will have a good Christmas, but they do, and there are even a couple of happily ever afters.

This was a really engrossing read with characters I couldn’t help but care about. The romances are sweet and there is a lot of humor, despite all the drama. Another excellent read from one of my favorite authors, and a terrific start to the holiday season!

ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY by Susan Mallery. Canary Street Press; Original edition (October 1, 2024). ISBN: 978-1335008404. 320p.

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2 Comments | Book Reviews, Fiction, Romance | Tagged: Contemporary, romcom, SpicyTok, Sports, steamy, theflowerlady | Permalink
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COURTING MISS EMMA by Linda Broday

October 11, 2024

The Hangman’s Daughters, Book 2

From the publisher:

“One day I intend to court you, lady. That’s a promise. Hangman’s daughter or not.”

She finally found a place to belong.
But can he give her the life she’s always dreamed of?

Texas, 1868. When guarded ex-army man Stone Landry buys the neighbouring land and moves in, hangman’s daughter Emma Taggart’s world changes forever.

But their newfound connection is quickly tested by violent night raids, kidnappings, and underhand tricks by powerful rancher Zeke Parker, who is intent on running them out of town and taking the land he deems to be his.

Can Emma find enough courage to trust in Stone and help him give her the life she’s always dreamed of?

https://amzn.to/3Yjs4CU

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I think it is probably better to read book one in the series, Winning Maura’s Heart, first. I could definitely tell this was part of a series and while I could figure out who the main characters were in the first book, I think this would have been a better read if I had some background information.

Maura’s sister, Emma, is the female protagonist in this story. Her love interest is Stone, who recently purchased the land next door. Emma and Maura run an orphanage in an old abandoned Mission, but there are people who are trying to take the land from the sisters using any means necessary. These same people are also after Stone’s land and the rest of the neighbors on this stretch of property outside of town.

I read a lot of cowboy romances, but historical ones are new to me. Emma and Maura’s father is the hangman in town, and the sisters are ostracized because of that. Maura is married and expecting, but Emma doesn’t think anyone will ever want to marry her. She’s fine with raising the orphans, but when she meets Stone, she can’t help but be attracted to him. And he seems to be interested in Emma as well.

They band together to fight off the predators trying to take their land, and eventually, a lot of the drama is resolved and Emma and Stone find their happy ending. I found the book to be somewhat repetitive and meandering, so I was surprised by how short this book was. I’m not sure if I’ll bother with the first book as I didn’t love this one. It was historically interesting, and the romance was sweet, so I did ultimately enjoy it. If you love historical western romances, give this a try.

10/2024 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

COURTING MISS EMMA by Linda Broday. Severn House; Main edition (September 24, 2024). ISBN: 978-1448314355. 256p.

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Spotlight Review: COUNTING MIRACLES by Nicholas Sparks

October 8, 2024

From the publisher:

From the acclaimed author of The Longest Ride and The Notebook comes an emotional, powerful novel about wondering if we can change—or even make our peace with—the path we’ve taken.

Tanner Hughes was raised by his grandparents, following in his grandfather’s military footsteps to become an Army Ranger. His whole life has been spent abroad, and he is the proverbial rolling stone: happiest when off on his next adventure, zero desire to settle down. But when his grandmother passes away, her last words to him are find where you belong. She also drops a bombshell, telling him the name of the father he never knew—and where to find him.

Tanner is due at his next posting soon, but his curiosity is piqued, and he sets out for Asheboro, North Carolina, to ask around. He’s been in town less than twenty-four hours when he meets Kaitlyn Cooper, a doctor and single mom. They both feel an immediate connection; Tanner knows Kaitlyn has a story to tell, and he wants to hear it. To Kaitlyn, Tanner is mysterious, exciting—and possibly leaving in just a few weeks.

Meanwhile, nearby, eighty-three-year-old Jasper lives alone in a cabin bordering a national forest. With only his old dog, Arlo, for company, he lives quietly, haunted by a tragic accident that took place decades before. When he hears rumors that a white deer has been spotted in the forest—a creature of legend that inspired his father and grandfather—he becomes obsessed with protecting the deer from poachers.

As these characters’ fates orbit closer together, none of them is expecting a miracle . . . but that may be exactly what is about to alter their futures forever.

“The romance between Tanner and the doctor sizzles, and Sparks is a master at creating fully developed, sympathetic characters with complete and compelling backstories. Readers will be drawn into this touching story of hope, faith, and love, and Spark’s many fans will find just what they’re looking for.”—Booklist, starred review

“Bestseller Sparks brings all the emotion fans expect in his heart-tugging latest. . . . Sparks enriches Kaitlyn and Tanner’s love story with a striking supporting cast, especially Kaitlyn’s kids, Casey and Mitch, and an elderly neighbor named Jasper. The mystery of Tanner’s parentage finally unravels at the story’s end, delivering an emotionally satisfying finale. This is sure to be another hit for Sparks.”—Publishers Weekly

https://amzn.to/3zMTxTU

I was a bookseller for Borders when The Notebook came out. My mom asked me to get her a copy – she wasn’t much of a reader, maybe read a book a year, but I was happy to get it for her. I had an appointment to get my brakes done, and since I had the book with me, I started reading it. I finished it before they finished my brakes, and had to pay through my tears. I didn’t pick up another Sparks book for many years.

Ron Charles of The Washington Post reviewed this, and snarky as his review was, it was the headline that grabbed my attention: “Nicholas Sparks knows what he’s doing; Sparks’s new romance novel, “Counting Miracles,” might be just the escape readers are looking for.” He followed that up with “As a professional book reviewer, confessing how much I enjoyed “Counting Miracles” is almost more humiliation than I can bear, but what can I say?” The snark got deep after that, but I was intrigued, so I started reading. As with most of Sparks’ books, at least the few I’ve read, once you start, it is almost impossible to stop, and that was certainly the case here. I am also happy to say I didn’t find myself in tears as I turned the last page. I also didn’t know how religious his books could be, and this one has enough bible quotes to please any fan of inspirational fiction, I’m sure. There is also just the intimation of sex – they kiss, and the next scene is a few hours later getting dressed. So maybe not inspirational enough. What do I know?

The story revolves around Tanner Hughes, an ex-military man who has traveled and worked all over the world, eventually as part of the elite Rangers, then Delta Force, followed by some private security work for organizations doing good work, like vaccinating kids in Africa. Raised by his grandparents after his mother died in childbirth, he never knew who his father was. As his grandmother lay dying, she told him his father’s name and the town he was from; Asheboro, North Carolina. Although he’s a young man, Tanner is basically retired until he agrees to go work with a friend in Cameroon, but before he leaves, he hits the road visiting friends until he finally arrives in Asheboro.

His first night there, a teenager backs up her Suburban into his brand new muscle car. Being the gentleman that he is, he calms her down and drives her home. There he meets her mom, Kaitlyn, and there is instant attraction. Kaitlyn has been divorced for several years, and has two kids. She is a doctor that does quite a bit of volunteer work, too. While theirs is the romance in this story, there is another plot line.

Jasper lives nearby and has been teaching Kaitlyn’s young son how to whittle, a lost art for sure. We slowly learn Jasper’s incredibly biblical backstory, and it is pretty easy to figure out where these two plotlines will intersect. Nevertheless, the fun is in getting there.

The scenery is beautiful, the characters full realized, and the story moves along at a good pace. While there are a few pages that had me tearing up on occasion, it is not his usual weepie, especially since there is a happy ending. This book is on par with a Hallmark romance movie – if you like those, you will like this. I did.

10/2024 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

COUNTING MIRACLES by Nicholas Sparks. Random House (September 24, 2024). ISBN:‎ 978-0593449592. 368p.

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THE HIGHLANDER’S RETURN by Lynsay Sands

October 4, 2024

Highland Brides, Book 12

From the publisher:

A bold warrior who never expected to marry meets his match in a fiery young widow in this latest installment of New York Times bestselling author Lynsay Sands’s Highland Brides series, perfect for fans of Outlander.

Graeme Gunn is a warrior through and through. A second son, he left home years ago to battle his way through Scotland as a mercenary. But with his brother William’s death, Graeme is forced to return to his clan—which now includes William’s grieving widow, Annella Mackay. And Graeme is stunned to find that the beautiful, determined woman at the keep is nothing like the meek lass he remembers from William’s wedding years ago…

Annella Mackay once had hopes for a loving marriage, a dream that shattered when her husband abandoned her. Hiding her pain, she embraced the roles of both laird and lady of the Gunn clan with spirit. But with William’s death, she finally has a chance at a new dream, and she won’t let anything deter her plans. Not even Graeme, no matter how strong her attraction to the strong-willed warrior, or how much she enjoys his kisses…

It’s an explosion of passion and clash of wills from the start, especially when Graeme decides to stay and claim his title. And when the threat of a hidden enemy rears its head, Graeme and Annella realize that in fighting for their home they might also be fighting for their love.

“Her trademark humor and genuine characters…kept her series fresh and her readers hooked.” — Publishers Weekly
https://amzn.to/4gK1Ssk

This is a terrific series, and I’ve read them all. This book can be read as a standalone, as it is the next generation from the first book in the series.

Annella was married to the laird of a neighboring clan, the Gunns. It was an arranged marriage, but she was hopeful that it would be a good one. But her husband abandons her on their wedding night. Her mother-in-law gives mothers-in-laws a bad name, she is just awful to Annella. And her father-in-law, the former laird, is bedridden from a nasty fall and can’t speak. That leaves the running of the clan to Annella, who is completely inexperienced. It takes her more than a year to find her footing, but six years later the clan is thriving and everyone is happy – except her in-laws.

Annella’s brother-in-law, Graeme, returns to the keep with the sad news that her husband is dead. He is mercenary and has been off fighting wars for years. Annella is not unhappy to hear the news, and begins to pack to move home to her family. But Graeme is smitten at first sight, and devises one excuse after another as to why she can’t leave yet. Once the kissing starts, Annella is not so sure she wants to leave either, especially after they end up in bed. But her brother finds them in her bedroom, and demands they marry. That works for Graeme, but Annella is not happy about it for a variety of reasons.

Graeme and Annella find their happily ever after, but there is a lot of drama before that happens. Someone is trying to kill them both, and the mystery is at the heart of this story. There is also a lot of sex and some laughs, which defines this series. Another excellent Lynsay Sands reads!

10/2024 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE HIGHLANDER’S RETURN by Lynsay Sands. Avon (September 24, 2024). ISBN: 978-0063411135. 272p.

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LOVELIGHT FARMS by B.K. Borison

October 4, 2024

Lovelight, Book 1

From the publisher:

One of Amazon’s Best Romances of June!

Two best friends fake date to reach their holiday happily ever after in this first romantic comedy in the Lovelight series.

A pasture of dead trees. A hostile takeover of the Santa barn by a family of raccoons. And shipments that have mysteriously gone missing. Lovelight Farms is not the magical winter wonderland of Stella Bloom’s dreams.

In an effort to save the Christmas tree farm she’s loved since she was a kid, Stella enters a contest with Instagram-famous influencer Evelyn St. James. With the added publicity and the $100,000 cash prize, Stella might just be able to save the farm from its financial woes. There’s just one problem. To make the farm seem like a romantic destination for the holidays, she lied on her application and said she owns Lovelight Farms with her boyfriend. Only…there is no boyfriend.

Enter best friend Luka Peters. He just stopped by for some hot chocolate and somehow got a farm and a serious girlfriend in the process. But fake dating his best friend might be the best Christmas present he’s ever received.

“This book is sweetly cozy and charming in a way that you won’t ever want to stop reading it.”—BookRiot

https://amzn.to/4gOHKoP

I read the fourth book in this series, then realized I’d never read any of the others, so here I am, starting with the first book. The central romance here is between Stella and Luka, who have been best friends for years. But Luka has no idea that Stella is actually in love with him, and there is no way that Stella would ever believe that Luka is in love with her.

Stella had purchased a Christmas tree farm the previous year and is in a bit over her head. She didn’t know that the farm came with huge debt (is that even legal??) Worse yet, someone has been vandalizing her farm all year long. Desperate for a cash infusion, Stella enters an online contest held by a social media travel influencer with millions of followers and a grand prize of $100,000. The only problem is that Stella lied on her application and said that she and her boyfriend had purchased the farm. A little romance is always good in these situations. When Stella becomes a finalist with the influencer planning an in-person visit, she panics, and we get that beloved romance trope, the fake boyfriend. And Luka is it.

There are a lot of laughs here and a lot of steamy sex before Luka and Stella reach their happy ending. The romance part dragged on a bit or at least it felt that way to me, but I’m definitely up for book two in this series.

10/2024 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

LOVELIGHT FARMS by B.K. Borison. Berkley (June 6, 2023). ISBN: 978-0593641118. 336p.

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Spotlight Review: THE BANNED BOOKS CLUB by Brenda Novak

September 27, 2024

From the publisher:

She left her hometown following a scandal—but family loyalty is dragging her back…

Despite their strained relationship, when Gia Rossi’s sister, Margot, begs her to come home to Wakefield, Iowa, to help with their ailing mother, Gia knows she has no choice. After her rebellious and at-times-tumultuous teen years, Gia left town with little reason to look back. But she knows Margot’s borne the brunt of their mother’s care and now it’s Gia’s turn to help, even if it means opening old wounds.

As expected, Gia’s homecoming is far from welcome. There’s the Banned Books Club she started after the PTA overzealously slashed the high school reading list, which is right where she left it. But there is also Mr. Hart, her former favorite teacher. The one who was fired after Gia publicly and painfully accused him of sexual misconduct. The one who prompted Gia to leave behind a very conflicted town the minute she turned eighteen. The one person she hoped never to see again.

When Margot leaves town without explanation, Gia sees the cracks in her sister’s “perfect” life for the first time and plans to offer support. But as the town, including members of the book club, takes sides between Gia and Mr. Hart, everything gets harder. Fortunately, she learns that there are people she can depend on. And by standing up for the truth, she finds love and a future in the town she thought had rejected her.

“Filled with mystery and drama, coupled with themes of family ties and secrets. This page-turner will not disappoint.”—Booklist

https://amzn.to/4epTDjf

Regular readers of this blog know I am horrified by the book bannings going on all over this country, especially in Florida where I live. I was happy to see Novak take on the topic in her latest, and while I applaud her for bringing this topic gently into her readers’ hands, I would have liked to see a bit more about the problem. That said, I am truly grateful for the books she does mention.

Gia’s mother is dying of cancer, and while her father is amazing, her sister Margot has been the one to take on a lot of her care. But Margot knows the end is coming soon, and she begs Gia to come home and spend some time with their mother, and give Margot a bit of respite. What Margot doesn’t tell Gia is that she is planning on leaving her husband, and needs Gia there for their mom before she can disappear.

Gia has never liked Margot’s husband, but Margot rarely says a bad word about him and, in fact, defends him as needed. What she is too ashamed to admit is that he is extremely abusive to her – not physically, but emotionally. And those scars run just as deep.

Gia left town as a teenager after her favorite teacher molested her. When she reported him, it created a major division in the small town. He was convicted, but never confessed or admitted anything, and blamed Gia for making it up due to a bad grade. His son is the town veterinarian, and he has moved into the house behind Gia’s family. As her presence becomes known, the town starts dividing up once again. Gia never felt like she had much support – even her parents weren’t especially supportive. But when she starts talking with Cormac, the teacher’s son, he comes to realize that maybe she wasn’t lying after all.

Eventually, the truth comes out and Gia is vindicated in the eyes of the town. Gia and Cormac fall in love and find their happy ending. This was a really good read with a lot of heart, that delved into some serious topics. Very well done.

9/2024 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE BANNED BOOKS CLUB by Brenda Novak. MIRA; Original edition (September 17, 2024). ISBN:‎ 978-0778387329. 352p.

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PLAYING FOR KEEPS SERIES by Becka Mack

September 27, 2024

From the author:

Swoon-worthy romance with lovable characters, loads of humor, and a healthy dose of drama on the way to a happily ever after.

From I’ve Read This: Instant bestsellers, Consider Me, Play With Me, and Unravel Me were all published in December 2023 after reaching massive success as e-books via their popularity on TikTok. Now that they are in print, they’re reaching an even wider audience to great success. Each is a romance that follows a different hockey player on a fictional NHL team closely modelled after the Vancouver Canucks, and not surprisingly, each book results in true love found. You don’t need to necessarily read them in order, but there are ‘relationship spoilers’ if you don’t. With each being 500 pages, it is a commitment, but one that many are clearly diving into anyway.

From Goodreads: There appears to be a fifth book coming in this series, Breathe With Me. No information on it from my usual sources though, and trust me, I did my research. There is a barely-there mention of it on The Bookseller, simply stating that book 5 will be out in 2025 in the UK, and I assume, in the US. Obviously, I am a tiny bit obessed with this series!

I did a full review of the first book in the series, Consider Me, and here are my thoughts on the rest of the series.

I believe these were self-published, but Simon & Schuster published book 4, Fall With Me, and started up their publicity machine. I managed to get hold of all the books in the series thus far, and despite their long length, I read them in a few days. I loved them all! These books are full of well-defined characters that come to life on the page, lots of steamy sex, some real problems, and enough humor that I was laughing out loud. Plus, they are set in Canada in professional hockey with a fictional team, and even the hockey stuff all rang true. Being that the author is Canadian, that’s not a surprise. Canadians live and breathe hockey like Americans do with football, basketball, and/or baseball. Or hockey, for that matter.

See my comments below each book.

Book 1: CONSIDER ME

For a shot at love, he’ll do whatever it takes…

Carter Beckett is the NHL’s best player—both on and off the ice. His career is at its peak, his friends are performing better than ever, and there’s no shortage of women to spend the night with. What more could he want?

Olivia Parker isn’t new to professional hockey players, thanks to her best friend’s boyfriend, but she has no interest in dating one herself—no matter how hot he is. And anyway, she loves working as a teacher and hanging out with her best friend, drama-free. Why would she want to spend her time stroking the ego of an arrogant athlete?

But once Carter meets Olivia, he can’t think of anything else. Too bad for him, Olivia is hellbent on keeping him at arm’s length, with no intention of giving into his charms. Perhaps it’s time for Carter to up his game…after all, nobody said he had to play fair.

Sparks will fly as Carter does whatever it takes for Olivia to consider him.

From the BookBitch: Consider having plenty of Oreos around for this delicious read! Full review

Book 2: PLAY WITH ME

In the sizzling hockey romance that has taken TikTok by storm, a dedicated player struggles with the number one team rule: don’t go near the captain’s sister.

He’s found the perfect person—but she’s the only one he can’t be with…

Garrett Andersen knows that playing professional hockey requires absolute dedication to the rules. There’s just one rule he’s finding difficult to follow: stay away from his captain’s younger sister.

As a professional dancer, Jennie Beckett knows what it takes to excel. She prides herself on being every bit as confident and bold as her brother, sassy as hell, and the only person in charge of her pleasure. No wonder Garrett can’t stay away from her—even if he forgets how to form sentences whenever she’s around.

Jennie would rather avoid her brother’s teammate, especially after several embarrassing run-ins, but suddenly they’re neighbors. And as the connection between them grows, Garrett and Jennie decide to have some fun, no strings attached. Between their busy schedules and her brother’s disapproval, they know keeping things casual and low-key is the smartest play.

But what if their feelings get in the way? After all, they’re only supposed to be playing with each other…

From the BookBitch: Forbidden love is always a fun trope, and family relationships come into play here when team captain Beckett’s sister moves into the same building as his teammate, Garrett. Garrett is tasked with watching out for Jennie, and he does, happily. But as they grow closer, their friendship soon turns into a more physical relationship. When big brother finds out, that happy ending seems in jeopardy.

Book 3: UNRAVEL ME

In the sizzling hockey romance that has taken TikTok by storm, the star goalie discovers the family he’s always wanted when he falls in love with a single mother.

Can he leave the past behind to forge the future he’s always wanted?

When it comes to dating, Adam Lockwood wouldn’t know luck if it hit him in the face. After a failed relationship and a string of dates gone wrong, the thought of being vulnerable with someone is terrifying—most women only see his fame. But when his dog runs into Rosie Wells, a beautiful woman with a blush as pink as her hair, she doesn’t seem to have a clue who he is, and Adam seizes the opportunity as a chance to finally be himself.

Rosie has her hands full as a single mother and fourth-year veterinary student, and she certainly wouldn’t know a hockey player if she ran into one. She doesn’t have time to date, and she’s fiercely protective of her little family. But when a chance encounter leads her to Adam, she knows it’s worth risking her heart.

The only problem? Adam is used to wearing a mask—he’s a goalie, after all. And as he holds onto a secret that threatens to unravel him and destroy his new family, they’re both at risk of losing more than ever before.

NOTE: Unravel Me contains emotional references to the past death of parents and its surrounding grief, as well as brief discussions of foster care, depictions of child neglect (not by the main character), and the death of an animal (minimal descriptions and as it pertains to the FMC’s training as a veterinarian student; not main character’s pet). If you are sensitive to these subjects, please use this information to make an informed decision about whether to proceed with this story.

From the BookBitch: I loved this story! After a bad breakup with a woman who wanted Adam for everything he has monetarily, and a string of one-night stands with puck bunnies, Adam is done dating. He is a genuinely nice guy, and all he wants is a woman who loves him for himself. Convinced that is never going to happen, he meets Rosie while out walking his dog. She is a single mom, a veterinerary school student, and helps out at the local animal shelter. And best of all, she has no idea who he is other than this really sweet guy who also loves animals, and kids. Especially hers. Theirs is a rocky road to their happy ending, but I loved every page on the way there. This may be my favorite book of the series.

Book 4: FALL WITH ME

From bestselling author and TikTok sensation Becka Mack comes the next book in her sizzling hockey romance series about a playboy defenseman and the team photographer who reforms him.

It was supposed to be a one-night stand. But what if they can’t leave it in the past?

Jaxon Riley is exceptional at three things: starting fights on the ice, picking up women post-game, and going home to fulfill his role as the world’s best cat dad. Relationships, unfortunately, missed the list.

Lennon Hayes is supposed to be on her honeymoon. Instead, she’s alone and single, vacationing next door to a surly tattooed man who ran his date off the resort. When a run-in at the bar results in a night of bickering and cocktails, she finds herself tumbling into bed with the enemy next door, then sneaking out before the sun comes up.

Lennon’s plan to start over in a new city is going great, until she starts her new job. The job? The Vancouver Vipers’ new photographer. And the defenseman scowling at her from across the room? The one-night stand she wasn’t supposed to see again. Good thing neither of them are looking for anything serious… right?

Jaxon may not be used to falling, but if he’s going to go, he refuses to go alone. If he falls, he wants Lennon to fall with him.

From the BookBitch: Jaxon is the newest team member, but after being traded pretty much every year of his hockey career, he knows better than to grow attached to his teammates. But their captain, Beckett, his close group of teammates, and their wives happily ignore his standoffishness and embrace him as their newest family member. Lennon, thinking she is starting over in a new country after a bad breakup at her wedding rehearsal, is shocked to see the one-night stand she had on her “honeymoon.” But the WAGS (wives and girlfriends of the team) really love her and are including her in all their fun, keeping Jaxon and Lennon together whether they like it or not. And it turns out they like it, a lot.

9/2024 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

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Spotlight Review: LOVE STORY by Lindsey Kelk

September 24, 2024

From the publisher:

She’s a small-town schoolteacher, he’s a hotshot creative director. Together, it’s hate at first sight.

Sophie Taylor has a secret and Joe Walsh is the last person she’d tell. He’s devilishly handsome, incredibly hot – and far too sure of himself.

But Sophie desperately needs his help.

Because she’s not just hiding something small. She is Este Cox, the mysterious romance author the entire world is desperate to unmask.

When a trip to the countryside means sharing a cottage with only one bed, it’s a short step to sharing a whole lot more besides… Can Sophie trust Joe with the truth – and be herself?

https://amzn.to/4epTDjf

“What can you say about a 25-year-old girl who died?”

Oops, wrong Love Story. But that’s what I think of with that title. I know the Erich Segal book is decades old, but so am I. I read it over and over again when I was in junior high school. Teen girls always love a good tear jerker! And I loved the movie, too. Now it is looked on as something of a joke (“Love means never having to say you’re sorry) but in my defense, it was nominated for several Academy Awards, including Best Picture. But I digress.

Kelk’s Love Story is a whole different kettle of fish. Sophie Taylor grew up in the publishing business. Her mother is a revered literary critic, and her father edits some of the best writers in the world. Her brother is a literary agent, and Sophie is an elementary school teacher. Yep, missed the family business all together. Or did she? Turns out Sophie has written one of the bestselling romances; it reminded me of the brouhaha with Fifty Shades of Grey. with a little less kink. But she published it under a pseudonym, Este Cox, and everyone is dying to meet her. Her brother is her agent, her uncle is her publisher, and they’re not telling, as much as they want to. Everything comes to a head at her father’s 60th birthday weekend lollapalooza.

Sophie’s young sister, who has just turned 18, is also in the family business – she’s opening a bookstore and is a social media book influencer. And Butterflies by Este Cox is her favorite book. Sophie meets Joe Walsh at the party. Turns out he is her father’s best friend/nemesis’s son and is good-looking and quite the charmer. There is a strong attraction between Sophie and Joe, but Sophie has been hurt before and is leery of letting anyone get close. But this is a rom-com, so due to the over capacity crowd, Joe is invited to share the guest cottage with Sophie, against her wishes, may I add.

Forced proximity is always a fan fave, as is sharing the one bed. And falling fast, especially when he falls first. As the literati gather for the party – many, many famous names are dropped here – the talk turns to the publishing sensation that is Este Cox. Turns out Joe has figured out Sophie’s secret, but he won’t out her. Instead, he declares that he is Este Cox, making everyone rethink what they know of the bestselling romance.

Lots of hijinks ensue, the truth eventually comes out, and family relationships are buoyed, but Joe and Sophie have hit a brick wall. Can this relationship be saved? You’ll have to read it, but it is a romance so….yes. This was an enjoyable read; I especially loved all the literary name-dropping, but I would have liked a bit more depth to the actual romance.

9/2024 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

LOVE STORY by Lindsey Kelk. HarperCollins (September 17, 2024). ISBN:‎ 978-0008695484. 384p.

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THE CINNAMON BUN BOOK STORE by Laurie Gilmore

September 20, 2024

Dream Harbor, Book 2

From the publisher:

From the author of the viral TikTok phenomenon, The Pumpkin Spice Cafe, comes a brand new spicy romance!

When a secret message turns up hidden in a book in the Cinnamon Bun Bookstore, Hazel can’t understand it. As more secret codes appear between the pages, she decides to follow the trail of clues… she just need someone to help her out.

Gorgeous and outgoing fisherman, Noah, is always up for an adventure. And a scavenger hunt sounds like a lot of fun. Even better that the cute bookseller he’s been crushing on for months is the one who wants his help!

Hazel didn’t go looking for romance, but as the treasure hunt leads her and Noah around Dream Harbor, their undeniable chemistry might be just as hot as the fresh-out-of-the-oven cinnamon buns the bookstore sells…

The Cinnamon Bun Book Store is a cozy romantic mystery with a HEA guaranteed!

Tropes:

opposites attract

small town

forced proximity

he falls first

“A charming break from reality”–Publishers Weekly
https://amzn.to/4dbkU7K

Dream Harbor is a small New England town filled with quirky residents, much like Stars Hollow of “Gilmore Girls” fame. I’m willing to bet the farm that the author’s name is a pseudonym.

Our heroine this time around is Hazel, who manages the Cinnamon Bun Book Store. She is turning thirty in a couple of months, which is causing her some anxiety. Hazel has always been level-headed and would never describe herself as fun-loving or the life of any party. In fact, she fears turning thirty because she hasn’t done anything fun in her twenties, and is determined to change that.

When she finds a book shelved backwards in the romance section, she notices someone has dogeared a page, and when she opens to that page, a sentence is highlighted. At first she’s upset that someone defaced a book without buying it, but then she decides it is a clue, and she is going to follow it and maybe have some fun. To that end, she recruits Noah, the local fisherman and tour guide. He is a few years younger than she and has the reputation of a love-em-and-leave-em kinda guy. He hits on the summer tourists and never pursues anyone more than that. But he’s been hanging around the bookstore quite a bit, constantly seeking recommendations from Hazel and enjoying his newfound hobby of reading.

When Hazel approaches him about the clue in the book, he is all in and they start to spend time together. Hazel has never had a one-night stand or a summer fling; there were just a few relationships that went nowhere. But she is determined to have a fling before her birthday, and Noah seems like the perfect guy for that. Of course, once they start hanging out and fooling around, Hazel catches herself falling for the guy who doesn’t do relationships. Noah has been crushing on Hazel for so long that he finds himself falling as well, but neither one will admit to it.

Noah and Hazel follow several more clues that culminate in a birthday party for Hazel. By this time, she is fairly convinced that Noah has been the one leaving her the clues. No spoilers here other than Hazel and Noah find their happy ever after together, and I was so glad they did. This second book of the series was just as much fun as the first.

Note: I read a digital galley of this book, also known as an uncorrected proof. There is a line about “burying the lead” which is used incorrectly – it is “burying the lede,” a newspaper term. Lede and lead are homonyms, words that sound alike but are spelled differently and have different meanings. My bachelor’s degree is in English, and mistakes like this immediately rip me out of a story. It should have been caught prior to publication, so I emailed the publicist to check, but I never got a reply. Hopefully, it was corrected, but I don’t have a finished copy to check.

9/2024 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE CINNAMON BUN BOOK STORE by Laurie Gilmore. One More Chapter (September 3, 2024). ISBN: 978-0008641580. 384p.

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