🔖 REVIEW BLITZ 🔖 Bottles & Blades by Elise Faber

Bottles & Blades by Elise Faber

Release Date: February 24, 2025

Series: Eagles Hockey: Oak Ridge Vineyards #1

Pages: 307

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Sports

I fell in love with a billionaire.
I just didn’t know it.

Jean-Michel Dubois is the owner of the professional hockey team, the Oakland Eagles, and established the world-renowned Oak Ridge Vineyards.

And…he’s fallen for me.

Me. The boring woman who spends her time studying, baking cookies, and nannying for an adorable little girl.

A relationship between us makes no sense—I’ve tried to make him see that.

But he’s a successful businessman for a reason.

He's ruthless and goes after what he wants.

And he’s decided…

That’s me. 

Amazon, Nook, Apple, Google, Kobo

My Review:

Not having read any other books by the author before, I didn’t know what to expect. Needless to say, Faber is able to deliver a story that packs a punch right off the bat in Bottle & Blades. This steamy romance will leave you reading nonstop until the very end.

What starts off as a unique encounter between Tiff Hernandez and Jean-Michel Dubois, neither of them expected just how much their lives were about to change forever. Meeting the CEO of Titan Capital and owner of the professional hockey team, the Oakland Eagles, is intimidating for Tiff. But she is intrigued by his persona and attracted to him right away. It’s evident that they both have been through so much already that immediately makes Jean-Michel wanting to be Tiff’s protector. It’s her kindness that wins him over and it’s his ability to stand up for her that makes Tiff fall in love with him. Yet, it’s the same past that has come to haunt them down and they have to overcome those obstacles in order to be together.

All in all, I enjoyed the romance and a hint of suspense in the story that had me at the edge of my seat. This is also an age-gap romance and it was interesting to see the characters navigate that aspect of their relationship. Tiff’s backstory is touching and it shows her resilience for wanting to see world. I would highly recommend checking out the book. I’m intrigued to see where the story leads to the next book in the series!

***I received an advanced copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.***

My Rating:

Meet Elise Faber:

USA TODAY bestselling author, Elise Faber, loves chocolate, Star Wars, Harry Potter, and hockey (the order depending on the day and how well her team—the Sharks!—are playing). She and her husband also play as much hockey as they can squeeze into their schedules, so much so that their typical date night is spent on the ice. Elise changes her hair color more often than some people change their socks, loves sparkly things, and is the mom to two exuberant boys. She lives in Northern California.

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For more information on Elise Faber and her books visit: https://www.elisefaber.com/

https://www.elisefaber.com/contact

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🔖 REVIEW BLITZ 🔖 Playing Mr. Perfect by Melissa Foster

Playing Mr. Perfect by Melissa Foster

Release Date: February 12, 2025

Series: The Bradens at Ridgeport #1

Pages: 404

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Sports

Quarterback Clay "Mr. Perfect" Braden is determined to show sexy scientist Pepper Montgomery the benefits of hands-on research in PLAYING MR. PERFECT, the first book in the Bradens at Ridgeport series by New York Times and Wall Street Journalbestselling author Melissa Foster. Loaded with heat, humor, and heart, this steamy, small-town, opposites-attract standalone romance is unputdownable. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a happily ever after that will leave you breathless.

What happens in Paris, stays in Paris, right?
Oh, Pepper. If only...

Okay, I admit it.

Sleeping with the NFL quarterback who the media has dubbed Mr. Perfect might not have been the smartest move, but I’m in the City of Love, I’d had a few drinks, and was jacked up on giddy girl talk and hopeful hearts—two things I never buy into—and I threw caution to the wind.

I want to sneak out before he wakes up, but when I open my eyes, he’s already up.

In more ways than one.

Convincing the ridiculously cocky (pun intended) man that I’m not the woman he slept with last night is awkward.

Actually, he makes it impossible.

The thing is, I don’t even know who that woman was.

And now he’s determined to find out.

AVAILABLE NOW

My Review:

As the first book in The Bradens at Bridgeport Series, Foster delivers a sizzling sports romance in Playing Mr. Perfect. This opposites-attract story about a pro football player and a scientist, will leave you swooning and rooting for the characters until the very end!

For Pepper Montgomery, her life has always been about being in control. After all, as a scientist and owner of a research and development company, her busy schedule doesn’t allow her to have some free time. So when her twin and lead singer is on tour in Paris, her siblings all gather to support Sable. Work won’t stop because she is on vacation, until they all bump into Clay Braden. He is everything Pepper has been trying to avoid her whole life, not only is he extremely good looking and charismatic, Clay is also a magnet when it comes to women. The media has dubbed him, Mr. Perfect and she wants nothing to do with being on the spotlight. She has worked really hard to earn the serious reputation that she has and won’t let a football player whisk her off her feet. Little does she know that Clay would do just that and so much more, now she risks losing her heart in the process.

As the star quarterback for the New York Giants, Clay Branden, has the looks and wealth to get just about any woman he could possibly want. Yet, he is starting to realize that he might be past his prime and the idea of doing something more for his career is what he should be focusing on. But it does’t help that the media has named him, “Mr. Perfect”, as the attention that he gets is not always wanted. The game Clay once loved so much, is starting to look differently and the pressure that he is on to sign up for another football season is what gets him to leave town to go to Paris. There is only one person that he wants that doesn’t give him the time of day and that is Pepper. The is something about the gorgeous scientist that gets to Clay and he makes it his mission to get her to give them a chance.

I thoroughly loved reading Playing Mr. Perfect, it was relatable and steamy. We have two characters that started off as two opposites, then they soon realize just how much in common they both have. It was great seeing them evolve and rely on each other when things got tough. The chemistry was off-the-charts and the world around them was well-written/described. Clay is a total romantic at heart and Pepper is trying really hard to fully rationalize her feelings for the football player. They are getting to know what they truly want for their future and that includes their relationship. The ending was sweet and full of romance. I can’t wait to read what’s next in the series, I would highly recommend adding this book to your TBR list!

***I received an advanced copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.***

My Rating: 4.5/5

Meet Melissa Foster:

NEW YORK TIMES, WALL STREET JOURNAL, and USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR

Download FREE first in series! www.MelissaFoster.com/LIBFree

Never miss a release and get a FREE Braden/Remington short story! Sign up for Melissa's newsletter: www.MelissaFoster.com/Newsletter

Melissa writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance, new adult romance and women's fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Readers adore Melissa's fun, flirty, and sinfully sexy, award-winning big-family romance collection, LOVE IN BLOOM featuring the Snow Sisters, Bradens, Remingtons, Ryders, Seaside Summers, Bayside Summers, Harborside Nights, Wild Boys and Bad Boys After Dark, Tru Blue and the Whiskeys, the Wickeds, and the Montgomerys. Melissa's emotional journeys are always family oriented. Perfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about loyal, wealthy and blue-collar heroes and smart, sassy, and empowered heroines with complex and relatable issues.

Melissa also writes sweet romance with no harsh language or explicit scenes under the pen name Addison Cole.

Melissa's interests include her family, reading, writing, painting, friends, helping others see the positive side of life, and enjoying beach life on Cape Cod.

Melissa is available to chat with book clubs and welcomes comments and emails from her readers. Visit Melissa on social media or her personal website.

"Melissa Foster is synonymous with sexy, swoony, heartfelt romance!" -NYT Bestseller Lauren Blakely

"With her wonderful characters and resonating emotions, Melissa Foster is a must-read author!" -NYT Bestseller Julie Kenner

"What sets Melissa Foster apart are her compelling characters who you care about... desperately. I dare you to read the first chapter and not be hooked." NYT bestseller, M.J. Rose

"You can always rely on Melissa Foster to deliver a story that's fresh, emotional and entertaining. Make sure you have all night, because once you start you won't want to stop reading. Every book's a winner!" New York Times Bestselling Author Brenda Novak

"Melissa Foster is quickly becoming one of my favorites. Fated For Love was amazing. It kind of reminds me of Jill Shalvis' books and they are my benchmark for contemporary romance awesomeness." --Books Like Breathing

Comments from Melissa:

I grew up in Maryland with my mother, a slew of wonderful brothers, and never a shortage of friends or pets. I am passionate about writing, reading, living healthy, and helping others do the same, and I enjoy just about anything outdoors (and anything chocolate!). I love to chat with readers and book clubs, and welcome your comments and suggestions. Feel free to email me. You can also catch me on Facebook.com/MelissaFosterAuthor.

Thanks for reading!

Connect with Melissa Foster:

https://melissafoster.com 

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🔖 REVIEW BLITZ 🔖 The Hermit by Michelle Heard

The Hermit by Michelle Heard

Release Date: February 3, 2025 by MA HEARD

Series: Mafia Empire #1

Pages: 268

Genres: Romance, Mafia, Contemporary

From USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling author Michelle Heard comes a new STANDALONE, full-length MAFIA ROMANCE novel.

I entered an arranged marriage so my sister, Ciara, could marry for love. Three years later, I’m a widow, and my father arranges for Ciara to marry Dominik Varga. The assassin slash arms dealer is as dangerous as he’s quiet, which is very unnerving.

Needless to say, I’m not happy at all. A deal was a deal, and I kept my end of it, so there’s no way on God’s green earth I’ll just sit back and smile like a good little girl. I’ll fight for Ciara’s freedom so she won’t have to face the hell I was forced to endure.

But Dominik doesn’t make things easy for me. He’s determined to get his hands on half of Dad’s empire.
When he moves into my family home, my entire routine unravels. I have to fight for more than just my sister’s freedom because I’m in danger of losing my heart.

I refuse to admit I’m drawn to his darkness. If I do, God only knows whether we’ll survive the fire raging between us.

A Mafia Romance full-length novel.

Each book in the Mafia Empire series is interconnected but about a different couple who will all find their HEA.

Amazon US, Amazon UK, Amazon CA, Amazon AU

My Review:

Heard delivers a gripping and page-turning romance in The Hermit, the first book in the Mafia Empire Series. This dark enemies-to-lovers romance will leave you wanting a Dominik of your own.

The story starts off by introducing us to Grace Devlin, a thirty-two year old widow whose upbringing in the mafia has changed the course of her life in the last three years since the death of her husband. Having been part of a disastrous arranged marriage that only brought her pain, Grace realizes that she doesn’t want for her young sister to go through the same thing. So when their dad arranges a marriage between Ciara and Dominik Varga, it unleashes a part of Grace that won’t vow down to her dad’s wishes. He stopped caring about their wellbeing after their mother passed away, so it’s up to Grace to protect her sister at all costs. Even if it means taking her place and marry the dangerous assassin instead. Nothing could have prepared her for the way Dominik would sweep her of her feet and give her that chance to truly be loved. But the dangerous of their lives are all around them and that could destroy their chance at being together.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Hermit, their first encounter was not conventional. But as Dominik got to know Grace, he was attracted to her and respected how fiercely protective she was of her younger sister. It was clear that Grace had a bad experience in her previous marriage and Dominik vowed to earn her trust, which quickly blossomed into developing feelings for each other. Although Dominik had a tough past as well, he was able to let his guard down with Grace and for the first time he was able to feel what it’s like being loved. They both learn to heal along the way while creating a safe space for their relationship and their future life together. Their story was such a great way to start the series with as we get a glimpse into other secondary characters as well. The ending was perfect for them and I cannot wait to read the rest of the series. I would highly recommend checking out the book! :)

***I received an advanced copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.***

My Rating:

About Michelle Heard:

Michelle Heard is a Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling Author who loves creating stories her readers can get lost in. She resides in South Africa with her son where she's always planning her next book to write, and trip to take.

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