Showing posts with label Romantic Comedy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Romantic Comedy. Show all posts

Friday, July 12, 2024

Heart Restoration Project by Beth Merlin & Danielle Modafferi

Life, Love, and a Career Under Repair.

In Provence, a burned-out reality show star embarks down a path of self-renovation in a witty and enlightening novel about celebrity, love, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human heart.

Who is the real Plum Everly? Wouldn’t she like to know.

Raised in front of the cameras on her family’s hit reality show, Plum has reluctantly ridden the wave of D-list fame for way too long. Fading under the spotlight, she’s ready to ditch Hollywood forever when a new opportunity arises: a DIY in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. Château Mirabelle and Plum’s identity. Both in need of restoration.

Bienvenue en France. The village is gracious and welcoming. Elliott Schaffer, the flirty head of production, isn’t bad either. But it’s Mirabelle itself—a symbol of courage reaching back to World War II—that pushes the show in a new direction. Focusing on its profound connection to history, Plum and Elliott are developing a greater appreciation for the legendary château and, along the way, for each other.

The best part of this makeover of the heart and soul? Plum gets to write her own ending. This time, for the first time, her life is going to be the real thing.

 

Add to Goodreads.

 

Heart Restoration Project by Beth Merlin & Danielle Modafferi

Buy Links

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

Audiobook (US)
Narrated by Caroline Hewitt
~ Also Available to Read & Listen with KindleUnlimited ~

 

 

Reviews


Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is a good read. Although based on a reality show – with all the crazy that involves – actually at its heart is a very moving story about the previous owners of the building which is being restored.

Plum knows nothing but reality shows and knows it may be time to find a way to move on... but then is delighted when one takes her across the Atlantic to rural France. As we watch her wrestle with how to be herself – whether on or off screen – there are many things conspiring to derail her plans. Unexpectedly, Elliott is not one of them, and I really enjoyed how their mutual desire to work out the history of the château gives them a chance to be genuine and, one might even say, become friends.

There are quite a few romances which centre around a reality show, but this one definitely does a good job of changing the narrative and giving the reader more.

 

 

Author Bio

Beth Merlin

BETH MERLIN earned her BA from The George Washington University and her juris doctor from New York Law School. A native New Yorker, Beth loves anything Broadway, romantic comedies, and a good maxi dress. When she isn't writing, you can find her spending time with her husband, daughter and two cavapoos, Sophie and Scarlett at home or at their favorite vacation spot, Kiawah Island, South Carolina.

Connect with Beth Merlin!

Facebook  ~  Instagram  ~  Twitter  ~  TikTok  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

 

Danielle Modafferi

DANIELLE MODAFFERI, a high school English teacher and pun enthusiast, earned her MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University in 2014 and, shortly after, founded Firefly Hill Press in 2016. By day, she helps her students discover the magic of language, but by night, she’s a writer and publisher on a mission to unleash her creativity and help others do the same. If there is ever time left in the day, Danielle loves working on a good upcycling or art project, traveling to faraway (and some not-so-faraway) places, and snuggling with her two yorkipoos, Jackson and Liam, who are also incidentally her biggest fans.

Connect with Danielle Modafferi!

Instagram  ~  Twitter  ~  TikTok  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

 
 

ARC provided by

Montlake.


Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided with a free copy of Heart Restoration Project by Beth Merlin & Danielle Modafferi to read and review.

Friday, June 21, 2024

F**k, Marry, Kill Me, Daddy by Lance Lansdale Release Blitz

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SCOTTY

My boyfriend’s been trying to kill me for weeks. Well, I guess he's my boyfriend. I mean, we've never officially been introduced, but he's always standing in the shadows, watching me. That has to be a good sign, right? The first time I saw him, he was hunched down in my bushes, aiming a rifle at my heart, and he's turned up with a new weapon every night since. As fun as our silly little game of Murder Daddy may be, I’m getting tired of having to steal my stalker-slash-boyfriend’s affection by disarming him and using his weapons against him.

BRODY

I’ve got to get my head in the game. As my agency’s top assassin, I’ve killed my fair share of men. When Senator Levinson placed his son on my hitlist, I figured it would be a one-and-done. I was wrong. Every time our paths cross, he winds up getting the upper hand. The things he makes me do once he’s pried a gun or a knife out of my hand are downright depraved, and for some reason, I can't bring myself to stop it from happening. My wife tells me I need to just suck it up and get the job done. My wife’s boyfriend says I’m sweet on the guy, which is absolutely ridiculous. Even if I wanted to take advantage of our open marriage, I’m not gay. This man—this Freakshow—is completely unhinged, and the worst part is, I think I might be just as crazy as him.

F**ck, Marry, Kill Me, Daddy is a high-heat, over-the-top, absolutely UNHINGED, dual-POV, dark romcom that is equal parts insta-love and insta-lust. While one character is married, their marriage is open, and there's no cheating between them.

 

Add to Goodreads.

 

Fuck, Marry, Kill Me, Daddy by Lance Lansdale

Book 1
Buy Links

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

 

 

Excerpt


No matter where I go, he’s there. Waiting. Observing. Others might call it stalking. I just think he’s being adorable.

I’m not exactly sure when he started following me, but the first time I noticed him was three weeks ago. I was sitting on my apartment’s balcony, wanting a bit of fresh air after a week of self-imposed seclusion. I couldn’t have been out there longer than five minutes before the red dot appeared in the center of my chest. When I looked down over the railing, the apartment complex’s floodlight lit him up just for me. He was hiding in the bushes, pointing a rifle at me. Our eyes locked, and we just stood there for a solid five minutes, neither of us making a move. It had been such a long time since anyone had looked at me like that. It was like a million little shockwaves coursing through my body.

My impending death aside, there had been a gentleness in the moment. A connection of sorts. I must have frightened him when I waved, because he stumbled, falling on his back and sending a bullet into the sky. I’m not sure why he ran off into the dead of night, but it gave me a delightful view of his ass. The thought of topping had never even crossed my mind, what with my small stature and constant desire to be coddled, but I don’t know. I might make an exception for this guy.

The next time I spotted him, he was hiding under my car with wire cutters, fast at work. I thought he was trying to be a good Samaritan by changing my oil. Being a twinkish procrastinator, I know nothing of cars, and it had been over three years since I’d taken it to the mechanic. I mean, it’s not that big of a deal. I just pour a little oil into the hole thingy, under the hood when it starts making rattling noises, and it’s good as gold. Still, it was nice to have someone looking out for me. It’s been a long time since anyone has. For his chivalry, I figured the least I could do was kiss his hand like a distressed damsel to his knight. I knelt down to thank him, but he startled, dropping the wire cutters. When I picked them up and tried to hand them back, his beautiful brown eyes practically bulged out of his head, and he scurried away like a cheeky scamp.

I’m pretty sure he’s obsessed with me, but I think I’ve high-key wanted that all my life.

 

 

Reviews


Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team


Angie – ☆☆☆☆
I have a love-hate relationship with this book. I instantly loved Scotty. His sense of humor and wit just made this book so enjoyable, even if some people would think he was crazy or deranged. Brody, aka Uri aka Murder Daddy, I was frustrated with him most of the book. He didn't want to complete his mission, but he also didn't want to admit why to himself or anyone else.

The banter and antics between Scotty and Brody were great, until it wasn't. They went back and forth sooo much that it was just too much repetitiveness that even the humor couldn't save it. Once Brody got his head out of his butt and finally decided to take action, the book got better again. The beginning and end of the book were my favorites, half of the middle could have been removed.

However, Kincaid and Tatum??? Oh. My. God. They need their own book... they have the same banter that Scotty and Brody had, which I loved, but if they get their own book, I hope the banter is the same thing over and over times a million like this book. Even though I had a love-hate relationship with this book, I do recommend it.


Shannan – ☆☆☆☆
F**K, Marry, Kill Me, Daddy is a dark daddy-kink, unhinged standalone unlike any other I have read.

Scotty's dad, a senator trying for a presidential run, hires an agency to kill his son. When Scotty notices Brody "stalking" him, he thinks it's a love match. He has no idea Brody is sent to kill him. What Scotty mistakes for affection is Brody trying to end his life, but something keeps happening to stop Brody from completing his task. He is one of the top assassins in the agency, it should be an easy kill, but something keeps Brody from ending Scotty's life. Scotty, of course, thinks Brody is completely in love with him and playing a Murder Daddy game. Scotty is a bit delusional when it comes to Brody. Scotty is very gay, and Brody thinks Scotty is a freak, but something tugs at Brody's heartstrings in a way he's never expected. They were oddly steamy in unexpected ways.

This story is like nothing else I have ever read. In the first chapter or two, I was honestly going to give up, but I just went with it and actually really fell into the story and had a good time reading. It wasn't what I expected but I gave up any preconceived notions and read it for what it was, I was completely invested. Brody learns about himself in ways he never saw coming. Scotty learned to have a backbone and defend himself.

This is a new author for me, and I was pleasantly surprised. I will go back and check out other works for sure!

 

 

Author Bio


Lance Lansdale. Male Male Romance.

LANCE LANSDALE is the author of We Burn Beautiful and The Househusband's Guide to Domestic Bliss. He writes swoony romance with an excessive amount of cuddle scenes.

Connect with Lance Lansdale!

Facebook  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Lance Lansdale's Library

 

 

Giveaway


 

Hosted by

Gay Romance Reviews Tours & Promo.


Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of F**k, Marry, Kill Me, Daddy (Murder Daddy #1) by Lance Lansdale to read and review.

Wednesday, June 19, 2024

My Royal Showmance by Lexi Blake

My Royal Showmance. New York Times Bestselling Author. Lexi Blake.

From New York Times bestselling author Lexi Blake, discover The Park Avenue Promise Series...

Three young women make a pact in high school—
to always be friends and to one day make it big in Manhattan.

My Royal Showmance

Anika Fox knows exactly where she wants to be, and it’s not on the set of a reality TV dating show. She’s working her way up at the production company she works for and she’s close to achieving some of her dreams. The big boss just wants one thing from her. She’s got a potential problem with the director of The King Takes a Bride and she wants Anika to pose as a production assistant and report back.

As the king of a tiny European country, Luca St. Marten knows the world views him as one of the pampered royalty of the world. It couldn’t be further from the truth. His country is hurting and he’s right there on the front lines with his citizens. When he’s asked to do a dating show, his counselors point out that it could bring tourism back to Ralavia. It goes against his every desire, but he agrees.

When one of the contestants drops out at the last minute, Anika finds herself replacing the potential princess. She’s sure she’ll be asked to leave the first night, but Luca keeps picking her again and again. Suddenly she finds herself in the middle of a made-for-TV fantasy, and she’s unsure what’s real and what’s simply reality TV.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Park Avenue Promise series!
For book one, Start Us Up, click HERE.

 

Add to Goodreads.

 

My Royal Showmance by Lexi Blake

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Paperback (US)  ~  Signed Paperback

Audiobook (US)
Narrated by Kitty Bang

 

 

Excerpt



“Ani, you’re my best producer. Do this for me and I’ll green-light your movie. The silly one about… What was it about?”

“It’s the story of one of New York’s first woman firefighters. Her life and struggles.” It is my dream project, and it certainly isn’t silly. It’s about empowerment and the fight against discrimination in the workplace.

Jess’s surgically perfected nose wrinkles slightly. “Could she be fighting aliens?”

I growl. It’s an alpha sound I’ve worked on over the years since no one takes a small blonde woman seriously in my business until they catch sight of our three rows of teeth.

Not that I’m like that in my normal life. I’m a regular young woman. I try to be nice and kind to everyone around me, and if they cross me, I will bury them and no cop will look in my anime eyes and think me capable of murder.

Sometimes the patriarchy works in my favor. Not that I want to give up bodily autonomy and equal pay just so I can murder someone a little more easily. But for now I’ll take what I can get.

“Fine.” Jess has her hard negotiator expression on. “What’s the budget?”

I can do it for ten million, but she’s sentencing me to six weeks of dealing with women who think they are going to end up being queen. It will be spray tans and claws, and I will hear the words “the right reasons” so many times. “Fifteen.”

Her eyes narrow like she knows exactly what I’m doing.

I sit and wait. Like she taught me.

Don’t show a minute of your emotions, Ani.

“Fifteen,” she agrees. “And you’ll be fast-tracked. If you get this done, I might even be persuaded to tell publicity they have a slightly larger budget.”

She really wants this.

I wish I could talk to my friends, but I know what’s at the end of this conversation. I won’t be able to explain why I’m taking a crappy assignment. Ivy has her own issues and won’t question it. She’ll be all “rah-rah, girl power,” but Harper likes a mystery, and, even more, she loves to point out when things are going wrong.

Still, I’d like their advice, but I’m not going to get it.

I’m on my own. “I’ll do it.”

Jess smiles like she would have gone to twenty.

She wouldn’t have, but I give her a frown because it’s always good to let the boss think they’re still in control.

“One more thing, dear,” she says, sliding a stack of papers my way.

Yep. There’s the very long and binding nondisclosure agreement. My mouth is going to have to stay closed. But my eyes will be wide open.

 

 

Book boyfriends are all I need.

 

Reviews


Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team


Mary – ☆☆☆☆
I enjoyed the idea of this book and the first meeting between Anika and Luca. They met in a bar and ended up talking late into the night.

I wasn't crazy about the game show idea (I don't watch those reality-type shows), but I did enjoy the friendships Anika made while she was a contestant.

As I said, I enjoyed the story and if you are into reality TV, this book is for you.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series about three longtime friends who promise to support each other through the vaguaries of life. Ivy met her true love, Heath, in the first book, now it is Anika's turn to be in the spotlight.

Working in production, Anika is ready to move up and get her own works created, but an offer from her mentor of promised funding if she goes and makes sure that a onetime bad boy director has truly reformed, has her going down a pay grade and working on a reality show. These are her own particularly hated genre of TV, but the lure of doing her own project is just too great.

Thanks to NDAs, she cannot reveal much to her two besties, but has one last evening out before she gets sequestered. She leaves them early though, due to meeting a guy she is very attracted to... even if only for one night.

Roll forward and we find ourselves on set with the mystery guy being the king of a small principality in Europe. He needs the TV show funding and publicity to save his country and has agreed to choose a wife from the 13 contestants.

As the crazy of this world is revealed to the reader, and the tunnels of the mansion enable friends to meet and promises to be made, we also have the underlying question of is the director a bad guy. As everything unravels, there is a clever twist and a move from the trip of girlfriends which saves the day.

Implausible to the extent that one can imagine it is true, I was highly entertained by the characters in the royal showmance TV show and behind the scenes.


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

Anika is a fantastic character. From the very beginning you saw how honest and real she was. She works hard, loves hard, and is loyal. I loved her mind set about her job, family, friends, and life in general.

Luca had amazing reasons for wanting to do this show. He wants his people to succeed and thrive. It’s a curve ball for him when he realizes that his heart could truly get caught in the web of love.

These two together are fun, witty, and lovable. You won’t be disappointed in their story. I think the only thing I wished for was more on the protagonists. I wanted to see them squirm.

 

 

“Our little mirror ball needs some space…”

 

Author Bio

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author LEXI BLAKE lives in North Texas with her husband and three kids. Since starting her publishing journey in 2010, she’s sold over three million copies of her books. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance that she found success. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings.

Connect with Lexi Blake!

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  TikTok  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Lexi’s Literary Universe

 

 

“What did that mean? That thing you called me?”     “Schatz? It’s German,” he explains. “It means treasure…”

For more information about Blue Box Press releases, follow them at:

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of My Royal Showmance (The Park Avenue Promise #2) by Lexi Blake to read and review.

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Falling for Her by Kelly Elliott Release Blitz

Now Live. Falling for Her by Kelly Elliott.

Wes Ward finds himself in new territory. Less than a year ago, he lived in New York City in a fantastic loft that overlooked upper Manhattan. Women in and out of his bed anytime he wanted and not a damn care in the world.

Now?

Now, he finds himself back in Boston plotting ways to stop his high school girlfriend, Mandy, from getting married, dodging his mother's every attempt at helping him settle down, and trying to understand why Clare Monroe makes him forget everything and everyone when she smiles at him.

What is this insane feeling he feels anytime Clare is near him? Why can't he stop thinking about her every second of every day?

And what does he do about Mandy, the woman he fought so hard for who is willing to give their relationship another try right when Wes is ready to admit his feelings for Clare?

This is NOT a love triangle book :)

Falling for Her is a friends-to-lovers trope and can be read as a standalone but the author highly recommends you start at the beginning of the series.

 

Add to Goodreads.

 

Falling for Her by Kelly Elliott

Book 3
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

 

 

“There isn’t one thing wrong with you, Clare, besides the fact that you think there is.”

 

Reviews


Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team


Shannan – ☆☆☆☆
Falling for Her is the third installment in the Boston Love series. It can be read as a standalone without issue, but I warn you if you do that, you will, in fact, be adding the first two in the series to your to-be-read list immediately.

Wes comes back to Boston to stop is ex, Mandy, from getting married. Making her jealous seems to be a great plan and fake dating Clare, his sister-in-law’s best friend, seems like a perfect match. The more time he spends with Clare, he isn't so sure stopping Mandy is the best idea. Clare and Wes bicker and fight every time they are together but something about her draws him in in ways he never expected.

The banter between Clare and Wes was on point! I couldn't get enough of them. I so enjoyed watching him fall for her. Fake dating isn't my favorite trope, but this one is done very well. They have great chemistry overall.

I can't wait for what's next!

 

 

Author Bio


Kelly Elliott. New York Times Bestseller.

KELLY ELLIOTT is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling contemporary romance author. Since finishing her bestselling Wanted series, Kelly continues to spread her wings while remaining true to her roots and giving readers stories rich with hot protective men, strong women, and beautiful surroundings.

Her bestselling works include, Wanted, Never Enough, Lost Love and Returning Home, to name a few.

Kelly has been passionate about writing since she was fifteen. After years of filling journals with stories, she finally followed her dream and published her first novel, Wanted, in November of 2012.

Kelly lives in central Texas with her husband, their two pups, Gunner and Ellie, too many cats to name, and a plethora of wild animals. When she’s not writing, Kelly enjoys gardening, reading and spending time with her family..

Connect with Kelly Elliott!

Facebook  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Kelly's Krew

 

 

She smiled and my knees went weak.     “That was some kiss,” she whispered.

 

Hosted by

Give Me Books Promotions.


Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Falling for Her (Boston Love #3) by Kelly Elliott to read and review.

Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Funny Guy by Emma Barry

Are Sam’s feelings for Bree just funny business? Or is their smoldering attraction the real deal?

From the author of Chick Magnet comes a heartfelt friends-to-lovers story about what can happen when a funny guy and his childhood best friend are stuck together in a small New York City apartment.

Sam can’t escape the smash hit “Lost Boy” because, well, he is the lost boy. His pop-singer ex immortalized him in a song about his childish ways, and now his comedy career is on the line.

At least he still has Bree, his best friend and confidante. Bree has always been there for Sam, but she’s never revealed her biggest secret: she’s in love with him. To help herself move on, Bree applies for her dream job across the country—and doesn’t say a thing to Sam.

But as Sam tries to resuscitate his career, he turns to Bree for support—and maybe more. In the confines of her tiny apartment, they share a different dynamic. A charged dynamic. But she’s his friend. He can’t be falling for her.

Except he is.

Are his feelings for Bree just funny business? Or is their smoldering attraction the real deal?

 

Add to Goodreads.

 

Funny Guy by Emma Barry

Buy Links

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

Audiobook (US)
Narrated by Lucy Rivers & Teddy Hamilton
~ Also Available to Read & Listen with KindleUnlimited ~

 

 

Reviews


Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team


Mary – ☆☆☆
I love reading a friends-to-lovers story, but this one seemed to have something missing from the start.

Sam was a comedian who was not good with relationships except the one he had with Bree, his best friend.

Bree is a successful young woman who has loved Sam for many years. She has finally seen that Sam will not love her back when he proposed to the pop singer. When they break up, Sam runs to Bree. She can't handle much more so she decides to change jobs and move away from the city.

When Sam finally realizes that Bree is the love he has been looking for, he seems to be struggling with what to do next.

I liked Bree to a point, she was hung up on her love for Sam (I can totally relate) and all but stopped her life until she finally said to herself, no more. Sam needed to let his past go (I know, not that easy) so he can move on and live.

I found the story to be good but there weren't many funny parts that I would call it a funny romance. It was an okay story for me.

 

 

Author Bio

EMMA BARRY is a teacher, novelist, recovering academic, and former political staffer. She lives with her high school sweetheart and a menagerie of pets and children in Virginia, and she occasionally finds time to read and write.

Connect with Emma Barry!

Facebook  ~  Instagram  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

 
 

ARC provided by

Montlake.


Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided with a free copy of Funny Guy by Emma Barry to read and review.

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

The Devil in Blue Jeans by Stacey Kennedy

Charly has made a deal with a devil of a cowboy—and she might just get burned…

A sharp, emotional novel about a tough-minded bar owner who makes a deal with a devil of a cowboy—and might just get burned…

Moving to Montana to buy a dive bar with her two best friends sounds like a can’t-miss idea to Charly Henwood. The scenery is breathtaking, and the cowboys aren’t bad-looking either. Not that Charly’s interested. Her heart is as unmovable as the surrounding mountains. After her cheating ex-boyfriend destroyed their relationship and their nightclub, she’s determined to take care of herself, her friends and their bar.

But it turns out the regulars resent newcomers swapping their craft beer for an extensive cocktail menu. One is particularly not happy—The Naked Moose’s previous owner, Jaxon Reed. The last thing Charly needs is a cocky cowboy telling her how to run her bar, or her life. But maybe she can use Jaxon to her advantage. If he’ll agree to be the prize in a charity auction, Charly will make the bar a little more cowboy-friendly.

When that plan backfires, Charly finds herself doing battle with the biggest temptation in Timber Falls. A man who has made it his mission to win her over, using every infernal means at his disposal. And if her resolve goes up in flames, her heart is sure to follow…

 

Add to Goodreads.

 

The Devil in Blue Jeans by Stacey Kennedy

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Paperback (US)
Harlequin

Audiobook (US)
Narrated by Alexa Elmy

 

 

“You’re trying to tell me that with this kind of chemistry between us, you’ll be able to sleep next to me and not want to kiss the hell out of me.”     “That’s exactly what I’m telling you.”     He chuckled, low and deep, “Yeah, we’ll see about that, Kitten.”

 

Reviews


Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is a fun take on the cowboy-meets-incoming-townie romance, and as there are three townies running the bar, I am looking forward to their stories being told too. I thought the world building was done well, and I enjoyed the rationale behind the women coming into Timber Falls.

I found the arrogance to think they knew best and lack of research done on what kind of bar the residents of Timber Falls might want, by the three women, a little strange. They were all competent in the hospitality field and had obviously just ignored all the local knowledge and needs. But I get that it sets up the story nicely!

Jaxon had to sell his much-loved bar when his father died and he had to take over running the family horse ranch. At that time, mired in grief, he may have used hook ups to hold his grief at bay, but that time has passed, and he is now concentrating on horse training. His reputation, though, is causing him to strike out with the new co-owner of his much changed bar. The mixture of sadness at the changes and being treated so poorly by Charly cause him to issue her a challenge.

It is great fun watching her taking on cowboy life and slowly understand why her changes are so unpopular, and that maybe her view of Jaxon is bent both by her past experiences and the gossip in town. Once they straighten out those issues, the future should be plain sailing!

I am looking forward to the next installment - it will undoubtedly be amusing!

 

 

“You do realize that I’ve outsmarted you once already. Who’s to say I won’t do it again and get out of the date?”     “Sweetheart, I’d say I’d be disappointed if you didn’t try to outsmart me again.”     Heat flared in her eyes, “Game on, cowboy.”

 

Author Bio

USA Today bestselling author STACEY KENNEDY has written more than fifty romances, including titles in her wildly hot Club Sin, Phoenix, and Devil’s Bluffs series. Her books are about real people with real-life problems, searching for that special thing we call love... in a very sexy way.

When she’s not burning up the pages and setting e-readers ablaze, she’s living her happily-ever-after with her husband and two children in southwestern Ontario, Canada. She’s a firm believer that wine, chocolate, and sinfully sexy books can cure all of life’s problems.

Connect with Stacey Kennedy!

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

 

 

“You know, Cowboy, you might just be pretty damn perfect.”     “I’m only perfect, because of you… to be what you deserve.”

 

ARC provided by

Harlequin.


Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided with a free copy of The Devil in Blue Jeans (Naked Moose #1) by Stacey Kennedy to read and review.

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Till There Was You by Lindsay Hameroff

A recipe for love that hits all the right notes. Now Available. St. Martin’s Griffin.

Culinary student Lexi Berman, 24, has one goal: to make her late mother proud by becoming an executive chef in a Michelin-star restaurant. And she isn’t going to let anything–or anyone–get in the way. But when she meets Jake Taylor, a dive bar musician who charms her with show tunes, she makes a rare exception to her no-dating rule. After a steamy weekend together, Jake leaves for L.A. to record his demo, and Lexi never expects to see him again. And she definitely doesn’t expect him to become an overnight celebrity, with a breakout single that’s almost certainly about her famous blueberry pancake recipe.

As Jake’s star rises and the world speculates about the subject of his song, Lexi keeps the affair to herself. After all, she’s finally found her footing at her new restaurant job, and even has a prospective romance with her coworker. But when a distraught Jake turns up on her doorstep late one night, her carefully-laid plans are thrown for a loop. Though she and Jake try to be friends, things between them soon reheat faster than a bowl of Lexi's matzah ball soup. But a relationship with Jake means risking her face in tabloids, withstanding cruel internet comments, and worst of all, jeopardizing her career. As Jake’s upcoming tour approaches, and rumors swirl about him and another pop star, Lexi has to decide if holding onto her meticulously-planned future is worth walking away from what could be the perfect recipe for love.

Set both in the chaos of fame and the high stakes world of New York City restaurants, this novel sprinkles in a second chance at love and a dollop of celebrity drama to create a romantic romp that will make even the most jaded reader smile.

 

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Till There Was You by Lindsay Hameroff

Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Paperback (US)
St. Martin’s Griffin (Macmillan)

 

 

Reviews


Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
I am a big fan of rock star romances and love reading books which have chefs/cooks in leading roles, so this was definitely a book I had to read.

There is a lot of backstory as to why Lexie wants to be a chef, and I think that the descriptions of her studies in culinary school and her experiences at the veg station are really well written, and undoubtedly will resonate with chefs everywhere! I also recognised the Chef and the impossibility of having a life outside the confines of the kitchen or the team. It builds the tension on how she is going to imagine a relationship could work – and it is indeed not something she truly believes can happen.

A chance meeting with Jake turns out to be a time to take risks and cook blueberry pancakes... little could she imagine that her life would be upended nearly as much as his so soon!

I liked the tension, the unpleasant agent, the beautiful co-star, and as Jake is going through his reinvention as a rock star, Lexie also has a posse who have their own adventures and provide her with different meaning to events unfolding.

I am confident that you will enjoy the unexpected romance between a dedicated musician and career chef.

 

 

Author Bio

LINDSAY HAMEROFF is a writer, humorist, and former English teacher raised in Baltimore, MD and based in Harrisburg, PA. Her writing has been featured in McSweeney’s Internet Tendency, The Belladonna, Weekly Humorist, and other outlets. She also co-edits Frazzled, a parenting humor site. Till There Was You is her first novel.

Connect with Lindsay Hameroff!

Instagram  ~  TikTok  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

 
 

ARC provided by

St. Martin’s Press.


Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided with a free copy of Till There Was You by Lindsay Hameroff to read and review.