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allisonbree's reviews
118 reviews
Irresistibly Dangerous by J. Saman
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
**I received a free, advanced copy of this book for reviewing purposes. Thank you to the author, J. Saman, and to Valentine PR for including me in this release!**
Georgia Monroe is set to inherit her father's company until one detail emerges - she must be married to inherit. Newly single and struggling to cope with the recent death of her father, she turns to the one person she knows that has no feelings for her - Lenox Moore. Lennox, her cousins' best friend, is also the guy she had a secret relationship with 6 years prior, which ended with her heart being shattered.
Lennox Moore, is a former musician, tattoo shop owner by day, and hacker by night. He left Georgia six years ago after she told him she loved him. But when she turns to him asking him to marry her so that she can inherit her father's company, he just can't say no to the forbidden one that got away. Throwing in an ex with stalker-ish tendencies and the mystery of her father's plane explosion, Lennox goes into full alpha male protective mode. The next day, they are on their way to Las Vegas for their wedding.
Overall, the book is a slow burn, while at the same time is very much a will they/won't they story. They're together, but they're not. They're together, but say they're not, but want to say they are. They have a moment, then go back to ignoring each other for a week. There's a lot of back and forth with them, and it does become tiring. By the time they finally 'commit,' it doesn't feel as big of a moment as it should be.
Read my full review at allisonbree.com!
Georgia Monroe is set to inherit her father's company until one detail emerges - she must be married to inherit. Newly single and struggling to cope with the recent death of her father, she turns to the one person she knows that has no feelings for her - Lenox Moore. Lennox, her cousins' best friend, is also the guy she had a secret relationship with 6 years prior, which ended with her heart being shattered.
Lennox Moore, is a former musician, tattoo shop owner by day, and hacker by night. He left Georgia six years ago after she told him she loved him. But when she turns to him asking him to marry her so that she can inherit her father's company, he just can't say no to the forbidden one that got away. Throwing in an ex with stalker-ish tendencies and the mystery of her father's plane explosion, Lennox goes into full alpha male protective mode. The next day, they are on their way to Las Vegas for their wedding.
Overall, the book is a slow burn, while at the same time is very much a will they/won't they story. They're together, but they're not. They're together, but say they're not, but want to say they are. They have a moment, then go back to ignoring each other for a week. There's a lot of back and forth with them, and it does become tiring. By the time they finally 'commit,' it doesn't feel as big of a moment as it should be.
Read my full review at allisonbree.com!
Cold as Ice by L.A. Cotton
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
**I received a free, advanced copy of this book for reviewing purposes. Thank you to the author, L.A. Cotton, and to Deviant Hearts PR for including me in this release!**
Cold as Ice is the fourth book in L.A. Cotton's Lakeshore U series, following Austin, the quiet and broody goalie, and single-mom Madison.
Austin is the grumpy, standoffish goalie we've known since book one of the series. He's the older brother of Rory (from book 1) and was always a constant, quiet presence in the series. Austin has been the mysterious player on the team that grabbed your attention, even in books that weren't about him.
Madison happens to meet Austin thanks to a dare from her friends on a rare night out. She's not interested in him because he's a hockey player, she just wants his number to get her friends off her back, and doesn't care when she gets a fake number. But she's got a secret she keeps to herself - in the form of a 4 year old daughter, Imogen.
So overall, I give this book 3.5 out of 5 stars. I love the dynamics between Austin and Madison. I love that they both had an all or nothing mentality, even though they try to deny themselves that in the beginning. Some of the other team members say that when Austin falls for someone, he'll fall harder and faster than any of them did. And it's absolutely what happens.
Read the full review on allisonbree.com!
Cold as Ice is the fourth book in L.A. Cotton's Lakeshore U series, following Austin, the quiet and broody goalie, and single-mom Madison.
Austin is the grumpy, standoffish goalie we've known since book one of the series. He's the older brother of Rory (from book 1) and was always a constant, quiet presence in the series. Austin has been the mysterious player on the team that grabbed your attention, even in books that weren't about him.
Madison happens to meet Austin thanks to a dare from her friends on a rare night out. She's not interested in him because he's a hockey player, she just wants his number to get her friends off her back, and doesn't care when she gets a fake number. But she's got a secret she keeps to herself - in the form of a 4 year old daughter, Imogen.
So overall, I give this book 3.5 out of 5 stars. I love the dynamics between Austin and Madison. I love that they both had an all or nothing mentality, even though they try to deny themselves that in the beginning. Some of the other team members say that when Austin falls for someone, he'll fall harder and faster than any of them did. And it's absolutely what happens.
Read the full review on allisonbree.com!
Face Off by Teagan Hunter
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Lucas 'Lawless' Lawson is our pro hockey player in this story. He lets the outside world see him as nothing but a playboy, but that is only a cover. Inside, he's a kind, generous person, who always goes the extra mile to help everyone around him. But the best part is that he doesn't do it while being filmed or photographed for a photo op. He does it just because he wants to.
Rory, or Aurora, immediately dislikes Lucas the moment they met. She's dark and moody, to the point where she earns the nickname 'Wednesday' from Lucas (Addams Family reference). One thing she does love, is animals. She's a successful business woman, running two vet clinics in Seattle, and is incredible smart. She finished high school early to get a start on her education. And she achieves all of this before turning 30. She's a workaholic, and after one rough day in the clinic, Lucas forces her to go away to his cabin for the weekend. After that, she's a goner. And I can't even blame her.
This book is an amazing 4.5 out of 5 stars for me. They dynamic between Rory and Lucas was amazing. I loved reading their story from being 'not' co-parents to a puppy, their explosive weekend away, and Rory's slow realization that maybe feelings aren't so bad after all. And the fact that this all took place in Seattle was only a plus for me. (What can I say, I love it here!)
I received a free, advanced copy of this book for reviewing purposes. Thank you to the author, Teagan Hunter, and to Valentine PR for including me in this release!
Thoroughly Pucked by Lauren Blakely
I loved the dynamics the three characters had, even if just looking at them as friends. They all instinctively knew what the other needed, without it ever needing to be said. All three of them are incredibly generous and kind. You never get the sense that Dev or Ledger do anything with an ulterior motive - they just want to be nice people and help Aubrey through a rough time. They put aside their own wants and desires for her and focus on what she needs in any given moment. (I mean, who wouldn't want that in a partner?)
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.25
On her wedding day, Aubrey's husband-to-be 'drops in' on her right before the ceremony. Dev and Ledger come to her rescue and get her out of there so she doesn't have to deal with anyone, and the three spend the day together. And sparks start flying. When Aubrey remembers she is supposed to be leaving for her honeymoon the following day, and can't get a refund, the guys volunteer to book an extra ticket and join her.
It doesn't take long for their relationship to change. Dev and Ledger are fueled by desire and have all the experience needed to handle this arrangement. And Aubrey's best friends Trina and Ivy (from the other 2 books in the series) had been making suggestive remarks about the three of them together since before the trip even began.
I loved the dynamics the three characters had, even if just looking at them as friends. They all instinctively knew what the other needed, without it ever needing to be said. All three of them are incredibly generous and kind. You never get the sense that Dev or Ledger do anything with an ulterior motive - they just want to be nice people and help Aubrey through a rough time. They put aside their own wants and desires for her and focus on what she needs in any given moment. (I mean, who wouldn't want that in a partner?)
I received a free, advanced copy of this book for reviewing purposes. Thank you to the author, Lauren Blakely, and to Candi Kane PR for including me in this release!
Bourbon Breakaway by Sienna Judd
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
Jolie Hunter, or Joey, moves back home after years of living in New York. But she doesn't quite feel like she's home until her brother's best friend, NHL star Ashton Dane, returns home too. Despite their complicated history (he rejected her on her prom night), they have no trouble falling back in to old habits. Their friendship is still just as strong as it was when they last saw each other on Jolie's prom night.
This is a slightly different take on hockey romances. A lot of books feature rookies, or players not considering retiring. Ashton is immediately introduced as a player that knows his time is limited. When an old injury flares up, he is reminded that he may only have another season or two in him. And he becomes more determined to get his best friend and teammate, Logan (one of Joey's brothers) his own Stanley Cup win.
Plus, his injury prevents him from traveling on a road trip with the team (a series of away games), and he absolutely seizes the opportunity to spend as much time with Joey as possible.
Overall, I give this book 3.5 out of 5 stars. I'm always a pretty tough critic. Getting a 5 star rating from me is not easy. While this book didn't get 5 stars from me, I still really, really enjoyed it. But more importantly (at least I think so), I know Sienna Judd is an author I'll continue to follow closely. I'm definitely interested in reading the other 2 books in the series, and the next book that releases in a few months.
I received a free, advanced copy of this book for reviewing purposes. Thank you to the author, Sienna Judd, and to Grey's Promotions for including me in this release!
A Little Luck by Tia Louise
emotional
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
I've been looking forward to this book after reading book two earlier this year. Book one is still on of my top books of the year, but the second book didn't measure up for me. But Tia Louise shut me up fast with this one. After only a few chapters, I knew I was going to like it more than A Little Twist. Piper and Adam grabbed my attention immediately. Instead of putting the book down after a few chapters, I stayed up until 4am and read the entire book straight through.
The dynamic between Piper and Adam was intoxicating from page one. And their long, complicated history made it even better. It had some of the mystery/suspense element that hooked me in book 1, but had a different twist on it. And yes, we finally found out who is behind the signs that keep popping up all over town! Overall, this book gets 4.5 stars from me. But, this is by far my favorite cover - the models embody Piper and Adam so perfectly. The peaceful look on her face and the adoring one on his- perfection.
Read my full review on allisonbree.com!
**I received a free, advanced copy of this book for reviewing purposes. Thank you to the author, Tia Louise, and to Grey's Promotions for including me in this release!**
Read my full review on allisonbree.com!
**I received a free, advanced copy of this book for reviewing purposes. Thank you to the author, Tia Louise, and to Grey's Promotions for including me in this release!**
Content Warnings
Minor: Domestic abuse
Mine To Keep by Natasha Madison
*I received a free, advanced copy of this book for reviewing purposes. Thank you to the author, Natasha Madison, and to Wildfire Marketing Solutions for including me in this release!*
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Grace, determined to make it on her own without the help of her wealthy family, gets a job as an assistant, while also going to school at night. Caine, her new boss and single father, immediately writes her off as too young and immature.
The banter between Grace and Caine is too funny. It was fast paced, and reminded me a lot of Gilmore Girls. Grace is always quick with a comeback, and doesn't give Caine the opportunity to get the upper hand.
The banter between Grace and Caine is too funny. It was fast paced, and reminded me a lot of Gilmore Girls. Grace is always quick with a comeback, and doesn't give Caine the opportunity to get the upper hand.
I loved the banter, characters, and the slow buildup in the beginning. And I mean a slow buildup. The spice did not begin until past the halfway point, which I appreciated. The story needed that extra time, but when it finally happens, you're so ready for it.... read the full review at allisonbree.com!
*I received a free, advanced copy of this book for reviewing purposes. Thank you to the author, Natasha Madison, and to Wildfire Marketing Solutions for including me in this release!*
Puck Yes by Lauren Blakely
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
***I received a free, advanced copy of this book for reviewing purposes. Thank you to the author, Lauren Blakely, and Candi Kane PR for including me in this release!***
After Ivy finds out her ex was cheating on her with her boss and sees their wedding announcement, Ivy rage quits her job. While heading home, she unloads her problems onto the stranger in the elevator, and by the time she walks out, has a date for her ex's wedding.
Hayes is the newest addition to the Avengers hockey team, and is determined to earn a contract with the team. Lucky for him, the team captain, Stefan, is an old teammate from college.
Ivy begins working as the new team mascot, and finds herself on the receiving end of both guys' attention. While on a team trip in Vegas, Hayes and Ivy get married on a dare. That night, Stefan joins the newlyweds in the... celebration. But, when they are on their way to have the marriage annulled, the team owner finds them, and has the newlyweds added to an exclusive event.
Overall, I give Puck Yes a solid 3/5 stars. The spice was definitely there, and I appreciate that there is a lot of it. But more importantly, I love that the dynamics between the three characters was based on zero jealousy and equality. No one outshined the others. It would be easy for Hayes and Stefan to compete with each other and/or try to sabotage the other's relationship with Ivy.
Read my full review on allisonbree.com!
Tempt Our Fate by Kat Singleton
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
***I received a free, advanced copy of this book for reviewing purposes. Thank you to the author, Kat Singleton, and to Valentine PR for including me in this release!***
Pippa Jennings is a prominent character in Rewrite Our Story. She's Cade's younger sister and Marigold's best friend. After the sudden loss of her mother, she puts on a brave face and does her best to help everyone around her, all while running her bakery, Wake and Bake. When the space next door is bought and someone from out of town opens a fancy art gallery, she's not happy to find that her new neighbor is the guy who has been nothing but nasty to her since their first accidental encounter.
Camden Hunter is an art dealer from New York City. After attending his best friends' wedding in Sutton, he realizes that the small town is the perfect place to open his next gallery. After all, wealthy people on ski vacations are very willing to drop loads of cash on art for 'sentimental reasons.' When his caterer cancels last minute, he finds himself scrambling to save his gallery's opening night. The solution? Begging Pippa, the women who hates him just as much as he hates her, to cater the event
Overall, I do think Tempt Our Fate is great, but it doesn't match up to Rewrite Our Story. The first Sutton Mountain book was easily a 5-star read for me. This one, I would give 4/5 stars. It's definitely one of the better books I've read this year. If you like small town, opposites attract, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, billionaire romance with a heroine being called 'good girl' vibes' so many times, this is absolutely a must-read!
Read my full review at allisonbree.com!
Coveting the Mafia King's Sister by P. Rayne
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I received a free, advanced copy of this book for reviewing purposes. Thank you to the author, P. Rayne, and to Valentine PR for including me in this release!
Coveting the Mafia King's Sister is book #3 in the Mafia Academy series by P. Rayne. We've covered the east coast, and now we are onto the west, starting with the Vitale Family in the northwest territory.
Gabriele Vitale has made appearances in both of the previous books, so he's not a completely new character. Gabriele is always in his room, doing 'things' on the elaborate computer setup he smuggles in and out of the school each year. Which makes sense given that his family specializes in securities fraud and cyber-warfare.
And then there's Aria Costa, Marcello's little sister. Aria begins her first year at Sicuro Academy and is paired with Gabriele at her orientation. And, she immediately makes it known that she finds him attractive. But, he makes it clear nothing will ever happen between them. Yet when someone sends an incriminating photo to Aria, Gabriele doesn't hesitate to jump in and help her.
That being said, I did enjoy the book. I'm not sure how I wold rank it compared to the first two books in the series, but when the final book comes out, I'll have a ranking of all four stories. But overall, I would give this book a solid 3.5/5 stars. If you've enjoyed the other books in the Mafia Academy series, I'd say this is a must-read. Gabriele's a mystery in the other books. And this one reveals a lot about him and the dynamics of the Vitale family.
Read my full review on allisonbree.com!