Game On by Amy Aislin Release Blitz

When he broke off his engagement to his team captain's brother the day before their wedding, Jamie Jamieson swore he'd never get involved with anyone associated with a teammate again. Getting traded to the Orcas is a chance at a fresh start, but one glance at his new housemate, and Jamie knows he's in way over his head.

Dorian is his new coach's cousin. And his team's social media coordinator. And his housemate.

It's the trifecta of bad ideas.

Dorian Shore doesn't do hockey. He's lived by that rule for years, ever since a season playing as a kid left him with emotional scars. But his new housemate—a big, buff, beautiful athlete who gets under his skin—makes him seriously consider doing a hockey player.

It’s not a good idea.
They live together.
They work together.

When the sparks between them ignite, will it be game on or game over?

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Vancouver Orcas series!
For book one, Game Plan, click HERE.
For book two, Game Changer, click HERE.

 

 

Book 3
Buy Links

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Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Kobo  ~  Smashwords
Audiobook (US) Narrated by Aaron Hokanson
Paperback (US)

 

 

It was Jamie’s own bad luck that Dorian looked like a walking, talking version of his every wet dream. He was tall—more or less Jamie’s own height of six two—and slender but toned, with a pointed chin and a small nose. His skin was winter pale, several shades lighter than Jamie’s more naturally tan tones, and it contrasted sharply with the two days’ worth of stubble on his jaw and upper lip and the rich brown hair that looked thick enough for Jamie to grab onto.

Gulp.

“Where’s the rest of your stuff?” Dorian peered around him. “Still in the car?”

“Nah, this is it,” Jamie said, forcing his mind back on track. “I’ll head back to Charlotte at the end of the season for the rest of it and have it shipped to a storage unit so I don’t clutter up your home.” Assuming Jamie hadn’t found a place to live by then.

“You don’t have to do that. I’ve got the space. We can store your stuff in the basement.”

“I thought you were putting Jamieson in the basement,” Coach piped in, arms crossed over his chest. With his height, thick beard, and broad shoulders, it made him look imposing as fuck.

“There’s no bed down there,” Dorian said.

“You could’ve gotten one.”

“Uh, I’d really rather have a bedroom than a basement,” Jamie interjected, picturing a lone bed among exposed pipes, insulation, and spiders. The stuff a kid’s nightmares were made of.

“Oh, it’s finished,” Dorian said, waving a hand. “There are three bedrooms down there, as well as a full kitchen and a separate entrance.”

Three bedrooms? In the basement?

“Exactly,” Coach said. “Had you put a bed in one of the rooms, Jamieson would’ve had his own apartment.”

Dorian crossed his arms over his chest, matching Coach’s posture, and glared, his eyes going all fiery. “Wouldn’t that defeat the purpose? You’re the one who said you didn’t want him in a sterile apartment. Trust me, my basement is very fucking sterile.”

Jamie had just come from a team where he’d been treated like a pariah after his breakup with the team captain’s brother, and now he had two men arguing over what would make him most comfortable.

He didn’t quite swallow a laugh. His aborted chuckle drew the gaze of both men.

Rolling his eyes, Dorian huffed a breath. “You’re right. We’re being stupid.”

Now Jamie laughed outright. “I didn’t say anything.”

“Your face said it all.”

Well. That was probably true.

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Shannan – ☆☆☆☆
Game On is the third and final installment in the Vancouver Orcas series. It can be read as a standalone without issue. But if I were you, I'd read the whole series!

Jamie Jamieson was doing what he loved – playing hockey – and he thought he had found his person. But when that relationship crumbled right before their wedding, Jamie's hockey life changed. Being in a relationship with his captain's brother made things extremely hard for him on his team when he was being bullied and hazed. When the opportunity for a trade came about, Jamie jumped at the chance to move to Vancouver. His new coach’s cousin, Dorian, offered his spare room until Jamie was able to get himself settled. What he didn't expect was to find Dorian so attractive. But he swore he wasn't going to get involved with anyone associated with the team. Jamie is slowly finding his footing with his new team, never letting himself get to close considering what he's been through.

Dorian Shore may be surrounded by hockey gods, but Dorian doesn't do hockey even though he worked for the team’s social media. And having the sexy Jamie Jamieson move in with him in his space wasn't something he was expecting to do but once he did, he found he liked the hockey player in his space. Dorian didn't have to work after selling his app for millions, but he found himself still wanting to bring an idea he's had since college. Seasonal boxes filled with all the things that make you think of the season. He's been working on this idea for years, finding vendors, boxes, a graphic artist. He's never shared with anyone what he's working on but when Jamie comes into his office and starts asking questions, Dorian realizes he likes having Jamie's opinion on the boxes. Dorian slowly watched Jamie's walls drop with him and the team. And something between them changed when Jamie admitted his attraction to Dorian but didn't want to act on that attraction because of his past, but Jamie couldn't stay away from Dorian no matter how hard he tried.

I loved this series. I am sad that it's ending but I love that we finally got Dorian's happily ever after. The chemistry between Jamie and Dorian was instant but they were both hesitant to act on it knowing hockey had to come first for Jamie. The longer they were together it became impossible to stay away from each other. They were so sweet together and they were the person the other needed. I can't wait for whatever Amy Aislin has planned for next!


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the third book in the series, and I would recommend you read them in order, because they are such fun stories, as well as introducing the team and giving you an idea of how open the team players and coaches are to in-team relationships. This is a revelation to newly traded Jamie. He had a torrid time at his last team due to splitting from the captain's brother – which has badly impacted on his confidence and his trust levels for colleagues.

The Orcas have been at the bottom of the league, but Jamie is part of their plan for success, and as he feels happier, he helps them do well – I think that his mindset and thoughts are really interesting in understanding how the NHL system of trades clearly has a serious impact on the wellbeing of players.

As he comes mid-season he doesn't have time to move, and chooses to rent a room from Dorian Shore, who does the social media for the team and is Coach Shore's cousin. Dorian is just such a fun guy, a bit of a peacock, but good at his job as well as a kind and generous host. He is also busy setting up a new business too – so really has no time or interest in getting involved with anyone, but most especially a hockey player. So he does find his instant attraction to his new housemate.

I loved how much depth we get of both Dorian and Jamie, it makes the romance much richer as we have a good idea how the men will respond to situations as they arise. It is impossible not to want them both to find real happiness and the start of their happily ever after!

Thank you Amy Aislin for another great installment.


Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
I was so happy to read Dorian’s story. He might be tough on the outside, but it doesn’t take long to work out Dorian is a great big softie on the inside. I loved him. The way he treats Poppy is adorable. Jamie is such a good, easy going guy and I think he was a great match for Dorian. The men complement each other well.

Game On is a low-angst romance, which I really appreciated. That doesn’t mean there is no drama because both men have their own issues, but the story just is drama filled. I found Jamie and Dorian’s story to be really sweet and loving. Game On is another excellent ice hockey romance from Amy Aislin and I’d definitely recommend.

 

 

AMY AISLIN has lived with her head in the clouds since she first picked up a book as a child, and being fluent in two languages means she’s read a lot of books! She first picked up a pen on a rainy day in fourth grade when her class had to stay inside for recess. Tales of treasure hunts with her classmates eventually morphed into love stories between men, and she’s been writing ever since. She writes evenings and weekends—or whenever she isn’t at her full-time day job saving the planet at Canada’s largest environmental non-profit.

An unapologetic introvert, Amy reads too much and socializes too little, with no regrets. She loves connecting with readers. Join her Facebook Group to stay up-to-date on upcoming releases and for access to early teasers, find her on Instagram, or sign up for her infrequent NEWSLETTER.

Connect with Amy Aislin!

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Facebook Group: Amy Aislin's Readers

 

 

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Game On (Vancouver Orcas #3) by Amy Aislin to read and review.

Wild for You by Kristen Proby Release Blitz

From New York Times bestselling author Kristen Proby comes an all-new small-town series set in Montana, starting with Wild for You, an age-gap, single dad, nanny, grumpy/sunshine romance!

Remington Wild is a single dad of two adorable kids, and as the oldest son of the Wild family, has recently taken over the Wild River Ranch from his father. Life is crazy, and he’s finally willing to admit that he needs help, and the sooner the better. He has no idea that the beautiful woman he sees every day at Bitterroot Valley Coffee Co. is the woman who would show up for the job.

Erin Montgomery couldn’t get out of Seattle fast enough. It’s not that she doesn’t love her big, loud family, but living in the big city just wasn’t for her. The minute she stepped foot in Bitterroot Valley, she knew she was home. She loves the slower pace, the friendly people, and her job at the coffee shop. Even the smoking hot grumpy guy who stops in every afternoon can’t put a damper on how much she loves small town life!

Thanks to car trouble, and her stubbornness when it comes to using her trust fund, Erin needs a second job and applies for the position of a part-time nanny. She’s surprised to find that it’s Grumpy himself who answers the door at the ranch, but Erin quickly learns that she loves his kids and the ranch, and it’s a no-brainer to take the job. She just has to remind herself to resist the sexy rancher and keep it strictly professional.

Remington is attracted to his younger nanny, and finds himself falling headfirst in love with her. He and his kids have never been happier, and he knows she is the perfect addition to their family for as long as she’s willing to stay. Hopefully forever.

But when secrets are exposed, one of which endangers his children, will their love survive? Or will it tear them apart?

 

 

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Audiobook (US) Narrated by Sebastian York & Emma Wilder
Paperback (US)  ~  Special Edition Paperback (US)
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars
M/F Romance
Triggers: Click HERE to see Avid Reader’s review on Goodreads for trigger warnings.

I loved this story. I was so excited for Erin when she made her big decision. She's the first to truly venture out and find a new place for herself and even maybe her family. I love the small-town feel to this story. Everyone knows everyone and looks out for them too.

Remington is a rugged, single dad who's running the family business now. He wants to do what's best for his kids and his family. When he sees Erin, despite not really having great social skills, Remington knows that he's attracted to Erin.

These two have a super sweet relationship. They dance around each other, have adorable interactions, and a love that blossoms so organically.

When danger lurks, the town will pull together and fight it together. I know that you won't be disappointed in this first book because Proby delivers.

 

 

 

KRISTEN PROBY is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of over seventy published titles. She debuted in 2012, captivating fans with spicy contemporary romance about families and friends with plenty of swoony love. She also writes paranormal romance and suggests you keep the lights on while reading them.

When not under deadline, Kristen enjoys spending time with her husband and their fur babies, riding her bike, relaxing with embroidery, trying her hand at painting, and, of course, enjoying her beautiful home in the mountains of Montana.

Connect with Kristen Proby!

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Facebook Group: Proby's Peeps

 

 

 

Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Wild for You (The Wilds of Montana #1) by Kristen Proby to read and review.

Just One Summer by Carly Phillips Release Blitz

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Carly Phillips comes a new story in her Dirty Dare series…

Gabriella Davenport is a gorgeous, twenty-two-year-old virgin with a trust fund, vacationing in the Hamptons for the summer and running from family pressure to marry someone she doesn’t like, let alone love.

Maddox James is a sexy bar manager, older than Gabby by a decade. Though he made his fortune on Wall Street, he has returned to his working-class roots with a healthy distrust of wealthy women.

The last of the Dirty Dare series is here. Don’t miss this sexy standalone novella!

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

Don’t miss our reviews of other books in The Kingston Family series!
For book one, Just One Night, click HERE.
For book two, Just One Scandal, click HERE.
For the novella, Just One Wish, click HERE.
For book five, Just One Dare, click HERE.
For book eight, Just One Fling, click HERE.
For book nine, Just One Tease, click HERE.

 

 

Book 9.5
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Paperback (US)

 

 

He settled his free hand on her other shoulder and she leaned into his protective grasp. “You deserve better,” he said in a husky voice. “You should have people in your life you can trust.”

She swallowed hard at the sincerity in his voice, pushing back the lump in her throat. It wasn’t often she let herself think about what she was missing in her life. It wouldn’t do her any good. Her focus had always been on looking ahead and making sure she held tight to whatever convictions she could. Like standing firm against her parents’ desire for her to date and marry Preston.

“I have my grandmother. She knows where I am and she’d never say a word,” she murmured. “I have my sister. And now I have you.”

His eyes opened wide, his surprise evident. She understood. She wasn’t sure what had possessed her to include him in her tiny circle, but her gut told her it was true. He’d given her a place to stay, allowed her to help at the bar he managed, let her paint in his house, and most importantly, he’d kept Preston away. Not to mention, he’d threatened him on her behalf.

Yes, she could trust Maddox James.

She also wanted him. Wanted him to kiss her without reservation this time. Wanted to see his muscled, sexy body naked and aroused for her, and to feel his warmth on her skin.

She wanted him to take her virginity.

There was so much he could show her, teach her, and make her feel. Though she knew, even if she convinced Maddox to let himself go, this thing between them could only be temporary. He’d already listed his reasons he wasn’t right for her.

Even if she knew he was wrong.

Despite the obstacles, Gabby wouldn’t be deterred. She met his hooded gaze and saw the desire in his eyes. He was feeling the same need.

“Maddox? Are you going to push me away again?” she asked in a whisper.

A long moment passed, and she waited, anxious and nervous. She couldn’t handle another rejection, but she’d never regret putting herself out there. She sensed he’d be worth it.

A low growl sounded from inside him and he finally caved, lowering his head, his mouth inches from hers. “I want you, Gabby.”

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Age-Gap Romance

This is a cute, super quick read. Gabriella is living a privileged life, but it comes with a cost. She hates the people who hang around her family and that includes her own family. Gabriella has a passion for art and she wants to use this, but to her family, she's just someone who should look pretty, not talk, and marry whom her parents want.

Gabriella's grandma is a hilarious character and I wanted more of her in the story.

Then you have Maddox. Broody, capable, and alpha. He knows that he has a bad opinion of people with money, but when he sees Gabriella and sees her spirit, he can't help but be drawn to her.

This is a quick romance. So quick that if you blink, you'll miss it. I do wish it was longer, because I felt that there was a little left unsaid, but it was cute.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is a really fun novella which is very satisfying for a Dare fan, but also a good introduction to the author's style for a newbie.

We get to meet Gabriella, who clearly does not fit in with her pretentious and wealthy family's expectations... with the wonderful exception of her fabulously anarchic grandmother! She wants to use her brain and if she marries at all, it will be for love, not a deal.

Fate leads her to meet Maddox, once a financial whizz in the same firm as the intended husband for Gabby, who has left that life behind and is enjoying managing a trendy bar in the Hamptons (the Dare connection). In spite of the age difference and neither of them wanting to get entangled, that is exactly what happens... and we get ringside seats. I could have read much more about their romance, but inevitably the novella format means it is fun, intense, and quick.

Find yourself a hiding place, make yourself a drink, and enjoy!

 

 

 

New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestseller, CARLY PHILLIPS is the Queen of Alphalicioius Heroes. Carly married her college sweetheart and lives in Purchase, NY along with her crazy dogs who are featured on her Facebook and Instagram pages. The author of over 75 romance novels, she has raised two incredible daughters and is now an empty nester.

Carly loves social media and interacting with her readers. Want to keep up with Carly? Sign up for her NEWSLETTER and receive two free books!

Connect with Carly Phillips!

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  TikTok  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Carly’s Corner

 

 

For more information about the 1,001 Dark Nights releases, follow them at:

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Just One Summer: A Dirty Dares Novella (The Kingston Family #9.5) by Carly Phillips to read and review.

The Wrong Guy by Lauren Landish

Best of friends with benefits—and more in common than they ever expected—in a funny and sexy romance by Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author Lauren Landish.

Wren Ford is the city attorney for Cold Springs—a job she takes seriously. Good thing she has a great form of stress relief: a friends-with-benefits arrangement with the well-muscled and very attentive construction worker Jesse Sullivan. Wren’s heart secretly craves more, but how can she fess up her feelings to a man who doesn’t want to get tied down?

Jesse is head over heels in love with Wren, but he can’t picture a happily ever after. What would an attorney and out-of-his-league goddess want with him? Especially when a flirty, cocky lawyer who screams money and power shows an interest in Wren.

As a scandalous high-profile split escalates from name-calling to corporate takeovers, Wren and Jesse must team up to find a way to protect the people and the town they love. And everyone in Cold Springs is rooting for them to figure out that maybe, against all odds, they’re made for each other.

 

 

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Audiobook (US) Narrated by CJ Bloom & Ryan West
Paperback (US)
~ Also Available to Read & Listen with KindleUnlimited ~

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary – ☆☆☆☆
Wren and Jesse are the IT couple, only no one knows it. They have a friends-with-benefits relationship, but when Wren wants more Jesse pulls away.

Several years later, Wren is asked to help an out-of-town attorney with a high-profile case. Jesse began to see what he had wanted and had been missing all along. As the case progresses, Wren learns more than she should but knows who is in the wrong. She also spends more time with Jesse and knows that is where she is meant to be.

This story is filled with a little mystery, suspense, and a lot of steaminess and fun. You will not want to stop reading. I enjoyed this story and look forward to more from this author.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second in the series, and whilst you would definitely have more backstory if you had read the first one, you could still enjoy this as a standalone and then go back.

Wren is part of the Ford clan, but works hard to be her own person after the bad reputation of her uncle and his impact on her father in the past. So it is more difficult than one might imagine, especially when her loathsome uncle decides to divorce his wife, and there is a lot of drama around that event. It has an impact on a big housing project, and potentially on the livelihood of her 'friend-with-benefits' building contractor Jesse.

These two are super cute when together, and clearly meant for each other, but Wren is so busy establishing her career and taking on a leadership role at work, and Jesse feels that she deserves better than a builder who works for her uncle. It is entertaining watching it all play out – I could have done with less about Chrissy and her divorce demands, but it does enable a bit of legal complexity to be brought into the story, and a lawyer who develops an interest in Wren.

Unexpectedly, Wren also improves her understanding of her father, and the family is stronger for the revelations in this book.

Really enjoyable romantic read.

 

 

Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Washington Post and #1 Amazon bestselling author LAUREN LANDISH welcomes you into a world of rock-hard abs and chiseled smiles. Her sexy, contemporary romances—including her wildly successful Irresistible Bachelor Series—have garnered a legion of praise from her readers. When Lauren isn’t plotting ways to introduce readers to their next sexy-as-hell book boyfriend, she’s deep in her writing cave and furiously tapping away on her keyboard, writing scenes that would make even a hardened sailor blush.

Connect with Lauren Landish!

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  TikTok  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

 

 

ARC provided by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided with a free copy of The Wrong Guy (Cold Springs #2) by Lauren Landish to read and review.

The Red Dragon of Oxford by Joy Lynn Fielding Release Blitz

Dragons aren't real. Or so I used to think.

Oxford isn't exactly what I'd imagined. Sure, the colleges are romantic, and everyone is brilliant enough to trigger my impostor syndrome. I expected that.

The dragon, however, was a big surprise.

I saw him on my first day. The beautiful beast spoke to me, then disappeared. I’ve been looking for him ever since.

When I’m not on a wild dragon chase, I spend my time in the library. I’d like to think I’m only there to study, but who am I kidding?

I’m there for him.

Rufus Mortimer is the world’s hottest librarian. He’s strict, enigmatic, and sexy. He makes me feel things I’ve never felt before.

But he has a secret. One that could destroy everything.

So now, all I have to do is find a dragon, earn my doctorate, and try to not to let my new romance burn my life to the ground. Easy, right?

I wish…

The Red Dragon of Oxford, book 1 in the Wings over Albion series, is a sweet and spicy paranormal m/m romance with a guaranteed happily ever after.

 

 

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Paperback (US)
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

 

 

“You can’t take those.” The voice was deep, male, and came from very close behind me.

I spun around, heart hammering. The guy standing there was big—broad-shouldered, and muscular as if he worked out. His blue shirt pulled slightly over his chest, reinforcing his build. Rich brown hair fell past his shoulders, and his eyes were velvety brown in a face that left me breathless. His jaw was defined, his nose straight with slightly flared nostrils, and the firm line of disapproval his lips were pressed into failed to hide their sensuality. He belonged in Hollywood, not an Oxford library.

He was so close to me that it was intimidating. Moving back a few steps gave me the opportunity to take in allof him, and he was well worth it. The softest-looking faded jeans I’d ever seen outlined thick muscled thighs that had come straight out of my dreams. Callum was cute. This guy, though. This guy had me wanting to go to my knees for him. I was practically drooling.

Unfortunately, he was glaring at me and showed no sign of bending me over the nearest table and having his way with me.

I wrenched my mind back to the fact he’d said something to me. “Sorry, what?”

“You can’t take those books.”

“I’m a research student.” I tore my eyes away from his face long enough to thrust my library card at him. “I was told I could take up to twenty books out at once.”

“Well, you can’t.”

“It says so in the library rules. I live in college, so I wouldn’t have far to come if I got an alert saying someone else wanted them.”

“I don’t care. That’s too many books to take out of here.”

“Okay.” The intensity in him was something else, and I backed down. “How many am I allowed to take?”

He glanced over them. “Four,” he said, and it sounded reluctant.

My face must have shown my incredulity because he pointed out, “You can only read one at a time.”

Anger stirred in me. These weren’t novels, to be read one after another. They needed to be compared and cross-referenced as they were read. It was why I’d applied to Mortimer in the first place—the college’s collection of scarcely remembered German theologians was unrivalled and precisely what I needed for my dissertation.

“Sorry, who are you?” It finally occurred to me to ask. If he was just another research student throwing his weight around with the newbies, I’d tell him where to go. Surely he couldn’t be a tutor because he was only about thirty.

“The librarian.”

Holy crap, and I’d tried to argue the rules with him. “Good to meet you,” I said weakly and tried to smile at him. “I’m Mark Stevens.”

He nodded and folded his arms. His shirt’s valiant attempt to cope with his movement resulted in acres of silky material clinging to his muscles. I was staring again.

“Sorry, I don’t know your name,” I said when it was clear he wasn’t going to speak. He was still watching me as if to check I only took four books.

“Rufus Mortimer.”

“Like the college!” It was a stupid thing to say, but it was better than telling him I wanted to lick him.

He looked unimpressed. “Choose your four books. I’ll replace the others.”

The guy was kind of a prick, though I wasn’t sure what he could have said to my comment.

Once I'd found the four texts I most wanted, he gathered the remaining books into his arms. “Don’t forget to scan them,” he said as he moved away. “And don’t keep them long. They belong here.”

Until he said that, it hadn’t dawned on me that there was a way to keep access to all twenty books. And so many more. “I could have them all out on my desk if I stayed in here?”

“Of course.”

The way he said that nagged at me. It reminded me of something, but I didn’t know what. “In that case, please don’t shelve them,” I said. “I’m going to get my stuff from my room and work here.”

“Okay,” he said, but he didn’t put them down. He watched me leave, holding the books close, cradling them like they were his babies.

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angie – ☆☆☆
I love books with dragons, so I was so excited to jump into this book. Ugh. I couldn't get into this book at all. There were a few good parts, but for the most part I found myself skimming the book to see if it ever got better and if it would hold my interest more. Mark is a student who is studying something that sounds soooooo boring. Rufus is the dragon, and he was grumpy but that seems the norm at first for dragons. There could have been such an awesome story there, but I couldn't connect with either character and I just felt like something was missing. It didn't have the qualities I normally see in dragon books. I'm not sure if I'll give the next book a shot or not.

 

 

JOY LYNN FIELDING lives in a small English market town, where she indulges her passions for vintage aircraft, horse riding and gardening (though not all at the same time).

Joy tends to wax lyrical about the fascinating facts she discovers during her research for books. Thankfully, she has a very patient Labrador who has a gift for looking interested in what she’s saying while he waits for the food to arrive.

Connect with Joy Lynn Fielding!

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Blog  ~  Goodreads

 

 

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Red Dragon of Oxford (Wings over Albion #1) by Joy Lynn Fielding to read and review.

Christmas at the Shelter Inn by RaeAnne Thayne

Come home to Shelter Springs this Christmas, where hearts are warm and hopes are bright…

Growing up at the Shelter Inn hotel, Natalie Shepherd envied guests who could come and go as they pleased. So when it was time to finally leave for college and put the lush green mountains around Shelter Springs—along with the cloud of loss that seemed to follow her family—behind her, she swore she’d never come back. But now her sister McKenna needs a favor. On pregnancy bed rest at doctor’s orders, McKenna needs a helping hand with her two young daughters and someone to take over the inn during the hectic holiday season, and Nat can’t refuse. And just when things can’t get worse, she runs into her late brother’s best friend, Griffin Taylor…

Griff has mixed feelings about Natalie’s return. She’s just as beautiful and full of life as he remembered, but there’s a secret he’s carried for years about her brother—and the guilt is eating away at him. Still, Christmas in this small town is filled with treasured traditions and new adventures that hold the promise of something sweet and lasting. From matchmaking seniors to rambunctious nieces, it seems everyone is hoping Nat and Griff will put loss behind them and find a happy new beginning…

 

 

Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Audiobook (US) Narrated by Vanessa Johansson
Hardcover (US)  ~  Paperback (US)
Canary Street Press (HQN)

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is a really sweet Christmas romance with a lot of fun side characters – both young and old – who give us a very enjoyable reminder of how festive the season can be in a small community who pull together.

Natalie left her small town as soon as she could, and spends her life travelling the world doing house/pet sitting jobs, writing travel blogs, and editing to earn a living. She has no interest in returning to the place where so much sadness enveloped her family. However, when her sister needs her to help with her girls whilst she is on pregnancy bed rest, Nat is straight home – even if she is not at all sure she can cope with two little girls!

Not only does she have to deal with the girls, but also the rest of the town who know all her family's stories. The person she does not expect to see is Griffin, her brother's best friend and now the local doctor. Her teenage crush on him has not waned, but as she intends to leave ASAP, and he is clearly here to stay, there is no point in getting involved. In fact, that is the major part of the lesson Nat needs to learn – that not everyone leaves, that there are people who can be trusted, and there are even people who will change and regret their previous actions, to the point that they need forgiving. These are all things which she has a chance to consider during her stay. It is partly the magic of Christmas, and the love of those around her who show her again and again that there is hope.

A really good way to get into the Christmas spirit and think of what is really important about family and friends.


Veronica – ☆☆☆
Natalie has returned to her hometown to look after her two young nieces while her sister is on bed rest. I have to say, listening to Natalie talk about her adult life where she works freelance/remotely while house and pet sitting for people all over the world, I thought that sounded like an amazing life. But it also sounded a little lonely.

Natalie bumps into Dr. Griffin Taylor, her brother’s best friend, and there is good chemistry between the two of them, which they try to resist because they both know that Natalie plans to return to her nomadic life once her sister is up and about. The growing feelings between Griffin and Natalie felt natural as did the ways they kept bumping into each other.

Christmas at the Shelter Inn was an enjoyable Christmas story that was very much like a Hallmark movie. The romance was lovely and had nothing more steamy than a kiss. It was easy reading and the sense of community among the residents of the Shelter Inn was heartwarming and I loved the ending.

 

 

New York Times bestselling author RAEANNE THAYNE finds inspiration in the beautiful northern Utah mountains where she lives with her family. Her books have won numerous honors, including six RITA Award nominations from Romance Writers of America and Career Achievement and Romance Pioneer awards from RT Book Reviews. She loves to hear from readers and can be reached through her website.

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ARC provided by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided with a free copy of Christmas at the Shelter Inn by RaeAnne Thayne to read and review.