Tic-Tac-Mistletoe by N.R. Walker

Hamish Kenneally is moving from Australia to the US for a fresh start, starting with Christmas at his sister’s place in Idaho. When a snowstorm diverts his plane to Montana and leaves him stranded two days before Christmas, he hires a car and drives right into a blizzard.

Ren Brooks has always called Hartbridge, Montana, and his family hardware store, home. After a few failed attempts at love, he’s resigned to being single forever—after all, no guy wants to stay in his sleepy little town for long. And after his dad’s passing earlier in the year, Ren’s Christmas is looking bleak. But when a car runs off the road in front of his property, Ren pulls the driver out and takes him home to get out of the cold.

With the storm and the holidays leaving Hamish with nowhere else to go, Ren kindly offers a place to stay. Hamish is certain he’s crashed right into a Hallmark Christmas movie, despite more car delays and road closures and the prospect of not seeing his sister for Christmas. And with help from Hamish, Ren is beginning to feel a little Christmas cheer.

These two unlikely strangers have more in common than they first realise, and after two days of Christmas decorations, cookies, and non-stop conversation, it looks like Christmas might be saved after all.

 

 

Book 1

Buy Links

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~ Also Available with KindleUnlimited ~

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Sarah – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is quite likely my favourite Christmas romance of 2020. It’s the story of Hamish, an Australian who is rescued from a Montana snowstorm by a handsome lumberjack. But while the story is predictable, it is also charming and funny and very sweet.

Hamish is the ultimate Aussie city boy. He’s never seen snow before, and Ren describes him at one point as ‘even more fabulous than the original David Rose.’ Hamish has a quick wit, a sharp tongue, and a wonderful sense of humour. He’s also a little broken when Ren finds him, and I love his growth in the book.

Ren is much more stable. He might look like a lumberjack, but he actually runs his family’s small town hardware store. He’s kind and gentle and sweet – but he’s also grieving his father and more isolated than he’s willing to recognise.

Together, Ren and Hamish are magical. I love the banter between them. I love their shared interests and their easy acceptance of each other. This is a love at first sight romance that I actually believe in because these two can finish each other’s quotes; they balance each other perfectly. Hamish helps Ren cherish the Christmas memories he built with his father while Ren helps Hamish find a sense of home and community he hasn’t had for a long time. I was always going to love characters who can quote their way through Schitt’s Creek but I really didn’t expect to love Hamish and Ren’s story as much as I do.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is my favourite Christmas read of 2020 so far – and I am not really expecting anything to better it! Seriously, there is so much goodness in this book that I just couldn't stop reading – and although it takes place over a very short period, the empathy between them just meant that you knew it was going to be a relationship with a great future. The scenes are definitely more sweet than sexy, but that felt like it fitted their characters perfectly.

Hamish hiring a car to drive to his sister's, tired from his flight from Sydney, and never having driven in snow before was an accident waiting to happen – but as it turns out, it was the best error he had ever made. Rescued by Ren, he gets to save Ren right back.

If you need a feel-good Christmas story with two delicious leads, a lovely pooch, and a fun sister – this will do the job very, very well.


Angie – ☆☆☆☆☆
Oh, my goodness! Grab a cup of hot chocolate and be prepared for a Hallmark movie but in book form! This hits every mark for a Christmas love story. The setting, the characters, the small town, everything! Ugh, the feels were everything!!!! The only thing I didn't like about the book was that it was over before I knew it! I got lost in the book and read it in one sitting. Great, super sweet holiday read!

 

 

N.R. WALKER is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn’t have it any other way.

She is many things: a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who live in her head, who don’t let her sleep at night unless she gives them life with words.

She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things... but likes it even more when they fall in love.

She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.

She’s been writing ever since...

Connect with N.R.

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N.R’s Readers’ Facebook Group

 

 

ARC provided by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Tic-Tac-Mistletoe (Hartbridge Christmas #1) by N.R. Walker to read and review.

Bailed Out by Rebecca Zanetti Blog Tour

The Past Never Stays Buried

Anna Albertini is settling into a routine while ignoring the fact that the blue-eyed Irishman she’d allowed into her bed has up and disappeared on her. Two weeks without a phone call is no big deal, but still. With her hottie Italian boss goofing up the prosecuting attorney’s office, she at least has something to fix. Until she appears in court, across from her sister Tessa’s dirtbag ex. Then she has a mission.

Unfortunately, Anna isn’t the only person who wants the ex put behind bars… or in the ground. Which is not a problem until she and a local cop find the ex-boyfriend deader than dead… with both her sister and Aiden standing over the body.

As a prosecuting attorney, it’s Anna’s job to build a case against Tessa and Aiden. As a sister, it’s SO her job to get Tess out of this mess. As Aiden’s… what? Lover—girlfriend—friend from the past—it’s Anna’s job to figure out who the heck he really is. She has to dig out the truth, regardless of her ambitious boss or the cranky cop trying to thwart her every move. Sometimes a woman has to take matters into her own hands, regardless of the consequences.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of The Anna Albertini Files!
For book one, Disorderly Conduct, click HERE.

 

 

Book 2
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B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

 

 

“How long has Aiden Devlin been dating your sister?” Detective Pierce expertly switched topics.

If he was looking to trip me up, he’d failed. “Aiden and Tess aren’t dating. I have no idea where he has been for the last two weeks.” It wouldn’t do to lie to Pierce right now, and I didn’t see a reason not to tell him the truth. “Before you ask, I don’t know why Aiden was at Tess’s apartment or if he had any prior relationship with Danny Pucci.” But I was sure going to find out.

“So you don’t know why Devlin’s knuckles were as beat to shit as the dead body’s?” Pierce asked.

Yeah, I’d noticed that as well. “Nope.”

Pierce twirled a pen on his desk. “This isn’t looking good for your sister.”

Considering I hadn’t talked to her yet, I didn’t know how bad it looked. “Did you test her hand for GSR?” I asked the question like I knew what I was talking about and hadn’t binge-watched Law & Order all day Sunday, where is actually how I’d learned about gunshot residue. A homicide case was way above my pay grade.

“She tested positive,” Pierce said, seeming relaxed but definitely not missing anything.

I rolled my eyes. “If she picked up the gun that had been used to kill Danny, then the residue would be on her hand. You know that.” I thought that was the truth.

“I also know that only a moron would pick up a gun in that situation,” Pierce retorted. “Unless she was frightened by Devlin. But I’d have to ask what he was doing there.”

I swallowed. “Did you test Aiden’s hand?”

“Yep. Positive as well,” Pierce said, watching me like a bird of prey. “According to him, he was target practicing yesterday, but that’s all he’d own up to—so far. I’m off to interview him next.”

“What about Tessa?”

Pierce shook his head. “She lawyered up right away with Clark Bunne. Wouldn’t say a word.”

Relief cooled the hot ball of anxiety in my stomach. Okay. Good. “Well, then. I guess I’ll go talk to her and figure this out. Let’s hope you’re as good of a detective as you think you are.” With that zinger, I stood.

“Albertini? You’ll have to talk to her tomorrow,” Pierce drawled.

I stopped cold, still facing him. “Why?”

“Because I just arrested her for suspicion of murder. She’s being processed now.”

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series – and I am not sure, but I think it might be even better than the first. It is SO funny in places, so sweet, so passionate, and pretty tense in places too... I had to stop reading a couple of times and have a quick talk to the pages, asking Anna what on earth was she thinking putting herself into danger again!

I think that you really need to read Disorderly Conduct first to get the complexity of the relationships and drama going on in this wonderful series. This book starts a couple of weeks after the ending of book one, with the situation between Anna and Aiden being very much up in the air. In the first few pages she faces a very unexpected sight – her sister, Tessa, holding a gun over her dead ex, and Aiden is there too. Cue a fast-paced, super sexy, and tension-laden story, which has brilliant little cameos thrown in for light relief and to bring the light to a dramatic plot.

The writing is wonderful, the story is fabulous, and I absolutely loved every page and every feeling. I am very excited to get book three as soon as it is available, as this is on my absolute must read series!

 

 

Rebecca Zanetti is the author of over fifty romantic suspense and dark paranormal romances, and her books have appeared multiple times on the New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iBooks bestseller lists. The New York Times reviews has found that in her books, “humor surfaces in even the tensest moments, giving the high-stakes drama humanity and warmth.”

She lives in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest with her own Alpha hero, two kids, a couple of dogs, a crazy cat… and a huge extended family. She believes strongly in luck, karma, and working her butt off… and she thinks one of the best things about being an author, unlike the lawyer she used to be, is that she can let the crazy out.

Connect with Rebecca

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Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Bailed Out (The Anna Albertini Files #2) by Rebecca Zanetti to read and review for this tour.

Forget Me Not by Felice Stevens Release Blitz

Texas cowboy Shea Montgomery has plans. Big plans. Still mourning the loss of his beloved father, he’s finally ready to sell the Forget Me Not ranch. He’s dusting off his boots, packing up his cowboy hat, and moving to New York City to make his dreams come true. So what if he won’t have his horse to ride or a place to call home? He’ll make it work. Somehow. First, he has to deal with a bunch of corporate types who don’t know the front end of a horse from the back.

Especially this one guy who can’t seem to stay out of trouble.

Or out of Shea’s mind.

Jake Axelrod’s perfect family is shattered when his daughter stops speaking and his husband ends their marriage. Two years later, she remains locked in silence and Jake has closed himself off. His life is structured to the minute, and Jake is convinced he’ll be alone forever, until he’s forced to attend a company retreat at a dude ranch in Texas where he meets a cowboy who sends him spinning out of control.

Jake can’t help falling… off his horse, out of a rowboat, and into Shea’s arms.

And Shea is more than willing to catch him.

Neither man wants to let go, and the time they spend together only makes it harder to be apart. A decision needs to be made: work it out or say good-bye. Jake’s life is in New York, but he can’t walk away from Shea or the ranch, and Shea must decide if the dream of a lifetime will lead him right back to the place where he started, where his heart belongs.

Forget Me Not is a small town cowboy- meets-big city exec., feel good, low angst, gay romance with tons of swoon, sexy times and a couple of evil swans.

 

 

Buy Links

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~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

 

 

“You want some of my bagel, don’t you?” Recalling how the ducks used to paddle close when they’d take Stacey to the park, he took out the bagel, planning to tear off some pieces for them to take gently from his hand. His eyes widened as they began to pick up speed, flapped their wings again, and surged forward.

“Holy shit.”

It was the attack of the killer swans. They dive-bombed toward him, their vicious, beady eyes glaring with hate, and Jake scrambled to the opposite end of the rowboat. It rocked wildly as the first swan bumped it, and Jake held on to the sides for dear life, but he couldn’t withstand the second direct hit. The boat capsized, and arms flailing wildly, Jake went overboard with a loud splash.

When he resurfaced, he shook his head free from the streaming water and reached for his floating backpack. The lake didn’t seem very deep, but he hadn’t fastened his life jacket. It ballooned out, providing some flotation aid, but not much. Jake could dog-paddle okay, but the shoreline looked a hell of a long distance away. He began to splash his way toward it. The jeans, T-shirt, and hoodie he’d worn in the cool, early morning air took on water and bogged him down, and still clutching his backpack, he began to struggle. Then, through waterlogged ears, he heard his name called.

“Jake. Jake, hold on. I’m coming.”

At the shore, Shea quickly stripped off his clothes and entered the water. With swift, strong strokes, he reached Jake, placed an arm under his armpits, and hauled him close.

“Shea,” he gasped, trying not to swallow lake water. “Those fucking swans.”

“Ross and Rachel? Yeah, they’re not the friendliest.”

“Ross and… you’ve got to be kidding me. I’ll never watch another fucking episode of Friends again,” he muttered. Shea’s laughter rumbled through him, and he held Jake tighter.

“Let’s get you to shore and dried off, and then I’m gonna give you a talkin’-to for not following the rules.”

With the benefit of Shea’s strength to lean on, Jake managed to push through, and Shea half dragged him up the embankment and set him none too gently on the ground.

“Now,” Shea said, hands on his hips, feet planted wide. “What the ever-living fuck were you doin’ out there in the middle of the lake with no life vest on?”

Jake knew he should be apologizing and thanking Shea for rescuing him, but goddamn, he was rendered speechless by the furious man in front of him. Shea dressed was a gorgeous sight. But in soaking-wet briefs that clung to him like a second skin? He might as well be naked. A libido he’d thought long burned to ashes rose hot and strong in Jake’s blood, and he hung his head, not from Shea’s scolding, but to keep from staring and possibly embarrassing himself. As beautiful and memorable as Shea Montgomery was in the pages of a magazine, in person he was perfection.

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angie – ☆☆☆☆☆
Oh my gosh! Cowboy and underwear model? Ummm, yes please!!! I just loved these two!!! This book grabbed me from the start and didn't let go! I laughed, cried, and didn't want it to end. These two are so perfect together. I loved the whole thing from beginning to end.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is a very sweet, sexy, moving, and cute story – be ready with a hanky, but there are a few giggles along the way, mainly due to Jake's misadventures at the ranch!

We know from the blurb that Shea is a cowboy that also models underwear... so the bar is set high, and Jake sees that from the moment he arrives at the ranch for his enforced dude ranch experience. Little does he know that the whole of his life, and that of his daughter, is going to be turned around in the very best of ways from this encounter. I really enjoyed the relative ease with which these two men acknowledge what is happening between them. The fact that they live in different worlds and have different lives is not such a crazy issue, because we know that Shea has options from the start. I also liked how we get to know his father through the values that he lives by, and his attitude towards Stacey too. I will say no more, you need to enjoy the experience directly. It was very refreshing to read a book where hope of a future was given plenty of leeway to succeed.

I would say this is the perfect escapist book that many of us need – comfort reading with plenty to engage one's emotions and one's smile muscles. 😀 

 

 

 

Felice Stevens has always been a romantic at heart. She believes that while life is tough, there is always a happy ending just around the corner. Her characters have to work for it, however. Like life in NYC, nothing comes easy, and that includes love.

She lives in New York City and has way too much black in her wardrobe yet can't stop buying "just one more pair" of black pants. Felice is a happily addicted Bravo and Say Yes to the Dress addict and proud of it. And let's not get started on House Hunters. Her dream day starts out with iced coffee and ends with Prosecco, because... why shouldn't it? You can find her procrastinating on FB in her reader group.

Connect with Felice

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Facebook Group: Felice's Breakfast Club

 

 

 

Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Forget Me Not by Felice Stevens to read and review for this tour.

His Holiday Crush by Cari Z.

Workaholic attorney Max Robertson is one meeting away from making partner at a big NYC firm when his best friend calls and guilts him into coming back home for Christmas. But there’s a reason he hasn’t been back to Edgewood for a decade—too many bad memories. The plan was to go for just one night, until a wild deer and a snow bank wrecked everything.

Former Army Sergeant Dominic “Nicky” Bell is the new guy on the Edgewood police force, so of course he drew the short straw and is stuck working the night shift. But his evening gets turned upside-down when he gets called out to a wreck in the snow—and it’s his one and only high school crush, looking even sexier than he did back then.

When they both end up stranded together at Dominic’s house, sparks start to fly and Max isn’t sure what to do. But everyone deserves a present this holiday season, right?

 

 

Buy Links

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B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
This is a sweet family Christmas romance with a little bit of angst and personal growth. The story is basic. Successful city boy Max takes an enforced break in his hometown and takes time to evaluate his life – while enjoying the company of a sexy deputy.

This book manages to hit a whole stream of my romance weaknesses. I love the self-discovery Max experiences as he visits his hometown for the first time in far too long. I love a good small town deputy and I have a soft spot for single dads, home restorations, and cute dogs. Hell, I didn’t even mind the small children in this book. Add some snow and the only thing that keeps this story from turning into saccharine schmaltz is the well-crafted characters and their complicated histories.

I always enjoy Cari Z’s writing style and I tend to love the author’s characters. Max and Nicky are fabulous leading men, and this is a satisfying Christmas read.


Shannan – ☆☆☆☆
Max Robertson hasn't been back to Edgewood, his hometown, in years. His father made a name for himself (not in a good way) and left Max the center of unwanted attention. He's living in New York City working his butt off to become partner. When his best friend Hal's young daughter calls and begs him to come for Christmas, Max can't say no. Hal's wife walked away from Hal and their daughters, and left Hal to raise his daughters alone. Max feels the guilt of not being there when they needed him the most, so he promises he'll be there for Christmas.

Dominic has always had a crush on his brother's best friend, Max, but he never expected to have to save him when Max slides off the road into a snowbank. Max doesn't recognize Dominic at first and feels an attraction to the hot police officer that saved him from freezing.

I enjoyed build up in this one. The relationship between Max and Dominic is easy and relatable. Hal was a great secondary character. Max is able to bring calm to Dominic's chaotic mind and Dominic is able to slow Max down, they really are what the other needs. His Holiday Crush is the perfect, quick, holiday read!

 

 

CARI Z. is a Colorado girl who loves snow and sunshine. She writes award-winning LGBTQ fiction featuring aliens, supervillains, soothsayers, and even normal people sometimes. His Holiday Crush is her first book with Entangled.

Connect with Cari

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of His Holiday Crush by Cari Z. to read and review.

Destroyed With You by J. Kenner Blog Tour

Former sheriff Winston Starr doesn’t think about the past. That dark day when he lost the sweet, innocent woman he’d loved, dead because of his mistake in a mission that had gone horribly wrong.

Now an operative with Stark Security, he’s left Texas behind, focusing only on his work and closing his heart to love even as his soul screams for revenge against the scum that killed his Linda. When old friends reveal new evidence, Winston learns that not only is Linda alive, she faked her death in the ultimate betrayal.

But things are not as Winston believes, and he soon finds himself on the run with the woman who ripped his heart out. Now, the only thing stronger than his rage is his desire for the woman who destroyed him.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Stark Security series!
For book one, Shattered With You, click HERE.
For book two, Broken With You, click HERE.
For book three, Ruined With You, click HERE.
For book four, Wrecked With You, click HERE.

 

 

Book 5
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B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

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

Winston has been a shell of his former self since his wife, Linda, was murdered by a consortium who he was after. He never told her what he truly did for a job – he didn't protect the one person who meant the most to him. Now, working for Stark Security, Winston is brought in on a case that only he can solve and he will confront his worst fear. He will have to choose between love and duty, and he is not sure if they can mesh together.

Linda knows that she has to figure out what is going on. Secrets are part of the job, but she misses her old life. She hates knowing what love is and losing it; it is horrible and she wouldn't wish it on her worst enemy. When she is sent on another job, the last person she expects to see is Winston. All of her boxed up emotions come flooding back and she is helpless against him.

As Winston and Linda race against the clock to figure out the mystery behind their lives, their love will resurface, and both will have to decide if secrets and their jobs can work together. It's a fast-paced story that will leave you breathless. I can't wait to see what more comes from this series. Each book is exciting and won't leave you disappointed.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the fifth book in the series. I would definitely recommend that you read them all – so good! – but you could enjoy this as a standalone if you accept that you will not understand all the dynamics between the teams.

Really, this is the ultimate in second-chance romances, as Winston truly believed his wife to be dead and was still in mourning years later. So, when he is shown footage of her killing an agent in cold blood, he is doubly shocked, and betrayed by her... and yet he just doesn't want to acknowledge that he never knew the woman he loved so dearly.

What a great set up for a very intense and twist-laden story. I loved every minute of it, as I had every confidence that J. Kenner would deliver an excellent story for Winston, and give us a catch up on the rest of the team that we have grown to know and love.

 

 

J. KENNER (aka Julie Kenner) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and #1 International bestselling author of over one hundred novels, novellas, and short stories in a variety of genres.

Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list and #1 internationally, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of wide variety of genres.

JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swoon for them.” A six time finalist for Romance Writers of America’s RITA award, JK took home a RITA trophy in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me, and again in 2017 for her novel, Wicked Dirty.

In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.

Connect with J. Kenner

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Facebook Group: J. Kenner Krew

 

 

 

Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Destroyed With You (Stark Security #5) by J. Kenner to read and review for this tour.

Dream Chaser by Kristen Ashley

In this steamy, addictive contemporary romance spinning off the New York Times bestselling Dream Man and Rock Chick series, Ryn Jansen must put her trust in the one man she wants – and the one man she can't let herself have.

Ryn Jansen has no interest in taking a risk on Boone Sadler. Thanks to a long list of men who've done nothing but let her down, Ryn vows to stay far away from the caring, protective commando. And when Boone confronts Ryn with evidence that her loved ones are conning her, Ryn is less than thrilled – with her family and Boone. But even as Boone proves he's the kind of guy to meet her every need, she doesn't trust him to stay when life gets hard...

Boone Sadler's never been one to back down from a challenge. He's determined to show the funny, sexy Ryn that the irresistible connection between them is worth exploring. But caring for Ryn's heart and body becomes a matter of life and death when Ryn's beloved niece and nephew are put in danger and dirty cops begin gunning for Ryn. Soon Boone realizes their romance is in danger of more than heartbreak – and to have any future together, they'll have to put their trust in each other.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Dream Team series!
For book one, Dream Maker, click HERE.

 

 

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

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

Please read book one so that this book makes more sense.

Ryn is an amazing woman. She works her butt off in order to help her niece and nephew when her brother isn't able to help them. Ryn is used to having only her mom in her life whom she can count on, but when she is kidnapped by Cisco, a local gangster, her life kind of turns upside down. When Cisco reappears in her life, Ryn isn't quite sure what to make of their encounter.

Boone is ready to show Ryn how amazing he can be, but he starts out by kind of stepping in a big pile of family drama. While his tact isn't always on point, Boone does have Ryn's best interest at heart. While he knows that Ryn works very hard, he also knows that for some reason, Cisco has taken her under his wing and offered her protection.

While Ryn and Boone find themselves tangled in a bad cop conspiracy, they also find themselves walking the fine line of a new relationship. Boone is hoping to show Ryn that her life can be so much more. Ryn has to figure out how much she's willing to put up with, in terms of her own family too. As these two find their own paths, lives will be taken, love will be found, and truths will be revealed.

I was a little disappointed that the mystery in this book wasn't truly resolved. It felt unfinished and I'm not sure if it left a path to resolution in the next book. This was a great book and I really hope that the next book comes soon! I really love these books.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second in this series, but as any Kristen Ashley fan will know, this has close links with the Rock Chick series, and we also get some Chaos and Mystery Man elements to add to the richness. And that adds to the fun and the feeling of being a part of the community – which I love.

Boone and Ryn have been aware of each other for a while, but Ryn doesn't have time, or belief in men being serious, and Boone rather unwisely found solace elsewhere for a while, fed up of waiting. So he now has a bit of a mountain to climb, but he has two things in his favour – determination and the fact that the chemistry between them cannot be denied. I loved how Ryn also recognised that it could be good, but she is both too busy and too nervous to take a chance. As her life swirls out of control for reasons outside her control, Boone is there to support her. It is lovely watching him show her that she really can rely on him, and that he takes her, her family, her dreams, and her habits, and loves them all.

There is just so much goodness in this book, my advice is make sure you have a good long stretch of time to read, because you will not want to put it down once you start. It has tension, danger, fun, and a very sexy romance. Another hit for me; thank you, Kristen Ashley.


Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
So the first few pages of reading Dream Chaser I was thinking, wow Ryn seems a bit judgmental, but we quickly discover what is going on in her life and realise she is being taken advantage of. I was furious on her behalf, and from there on I was Team Ryn all the way. What I wasn’t, was Team Boone. He was a douche early on.

The turmoil in the budding relationship had me so emotional and a few tears were shed. Boone did some really stupid things that had me wondering if he was up to the challenge of taking care of Ryn, and for a good while there it looked like he wasn’t. But after a rough start, things eventually turned around and the good guy that Boone is shone through. One thing I will say is as a couple, Ryn and Boone are incredibly hot together.

Ryn and Boone’s romance is set to the backdrop of a crim who is being framed for a murder he didn’t commit, which leads to dirty cops with Ryn in the firing line. I liked the danger and action as well as the unfolding story of crime in Denver. This led to a few guest appearances from other KA heroes, including Eddie and a few from the Chaos boys, which made me happy.

One thing I would have liked to have had more of in Dream Chaser are Ryn’s friends, the other Dream Team girls. I didn’t feel the same kind of close friendship between the Dream Team as there was between the Rock Chicks. Hopefully that will come over time with the next few books.

I struggled with the first book in this series, but I was all in with Dream Chaser. There was always something going on and it kept me interested from the first page right to the last. I loved it. A solid four stars from me.


Shelby – ☆☆☆
Dream Chaser, the second book in the Dream Team series, was just okay for me.

This series is based on the Dream Team – four women that have formed friendships while working at Smithie's Club. I loved the first book in this series and was excited for Ryn's story. This book contains an element of suspense, a lot of angsty romance, a dash of sweetness, and a LOT of Denver character cameos.

I have such a hard time reviewing a Kristen Ashley book, I don't want to give anything away because it will destroy the story for you. I will say this book builds on the first and should be read in order. I will also say that the slow build for Ryn and Boone wasn't my favorite. The D/s aspect also didn't seem realistic to me. I liked Ryn's story and all the crazy that was happening, but Boone isn't my favorite male character.

Overall, this was just okay for me. I will read the third book as I am invested in the Dream Team and will keep an open mind!

 

 

KRISTEN ASHLEY is the award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of over sixty romance novels. Her books have been translated in fifteen languages, with nearly three million copies sold.

Born in Gary and raised in Brownsburg, Indiana, Kristen was a fourth generation graduate of Purdue University. Since, she has lived in Denver, the West Country of England, and she now resides in Phoenix. She worked as a charity executive for eighteen years prior to beginning her writing career.

Connect with Kristen

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Kristen Ashley – Rock Chicks Group!

 

 

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Dream Chaser (Dream Team #2) by Kristen Ashley to read and review.

The Romantic Pact by Meghan Quinn Blog Tour

I haven't seen her in three years.

I haven't talked to her since the kiss.

So why am I on a plane, flying across the world to spend a week with her in Germany?

One word: Pops.

My life’s a mess.
My possible football career is hanging on by a thread.
I'm driving the roads of Germany in honor of Pops with the one girl I can never have.
And I’m sharing a bed with her, the girl I've measured everyone else up to, while desperately trying to not to touch her.

We made a pact growing up, never to get romantic with each other – never fall in love.

And I'm about to break that pact. For good.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Kings of Football series!
For book one, The Revenge Pact, click HERE.

 

 

Book 2
Buy Links

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

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary – ☆☆☆☆☆
What happens when childhood friends are brought back together after drifting apart? They are sent on a week-long trip together, exploring Germany.

Crew is home for Christmas break, it's the first time he is home after his Pops passed away. But Pops left a surprise for him that will send him and his childhood friend Hazel to Germany to get reacquainted. With each daily letter, they find themselves in the same places Pops fell in love. As they go through the markets, stores, and hotels, Crew and Hazel find there are feelings stirring inside that they must not act on. One or two touches here and there are all they will allow, until they give in. When the trip comes to an end, Hazel goes back to the farm and Crew goes back to football.

Will they be able to make this relationship work? Can she put aside her blinders and accept things must change? Is there a future for them? Are there more letters from Pops?

This story is fun, adventurous, flirty, heartbreaking, and comes with the best happily ever after. Who better to be lovers than to begin as best friends? I fell in love with this story as Crew and Hazel loved Pops even though he wasn't Hazel's grandpa, she still belonged to him. I loved the first book, but I think this one is my favorite so far. This is a first for me from this author and I will surely be looking for more from her.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second in a set of linked stories by different authors. The first was The Revenge Pact by Ilsa Madden-Mills and involved River, Crew's best friend at college and fellow football player.

I loved this really romantic fairytale story. Crew lost his beloved grandfather in the summer, the third summer that he didn't go and spend with the old man, as he was at football training. He is devastated, and when his parents tell him, he is going on a trip planned by his grandfather before his death, he hopes that it will bring him some peace. Little did he expect that along with him would be Hazel, his best friend from summers spent with his grandfather. She is also deeply affected by his loss, and the chance to take a road trip that he has planned is very special to both of them.

As we travel around with them and watch them understand what life could be like, it is highly enjoyable, festive, and heartwarming. It is an interesting mix of football, friends-to-lovers, and Christmas joy. Thank you, Meghan Quinn, for a really wonderful book for escaping the everyday.

 

 

USA Today bestselling author, wife, adoptive mother, and peanut butter lover. Author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance, MEGHAN QUINN brings readers the perfect combination of heart, humor, and heat in every book.

Connect with Meghan

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Blog  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Meghan Quinn's MoFos!

 

 

 

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Romantic Pact (Kings of Football #2) by Meghan Quinn to read and review for this tour.