🔖 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.

Website, Facebook, Instagram, Amazon, Goodreads, BookBub, TikTok, Newsletter

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🔖 REVIEW BLITZ 🔖 Just One More Temptation by Carly Phillips

Just One More Temptation by Carly Phillips

Release Date: February 4, 2025

Series: The Sterling Family #4

Pages: 195

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

He’s a grumpy single dad who's serious and uptight.
She’s a younger free spirit who's sunshine and light.

Fallon Sterling’s one experience with a rich, older man ended in heartbreak. So when twin nine-year-old girls wind up in her gallery, followed by their oh-so-hot dad, she refuses to notice how sexy he is. And she will not let herself fall for his broody charms. Or his adorable daughters. That was her plan. Unfortunately, planning hasn't always been her strong suit…

Noah Powers needs a reliable nanny, not a romance with a much younger artist who his girls adore. The fact that he desires Fallon and the sunshine she brings into his drab world doesn't matter. His focus needs to be on his work and his daughters. Trouble is, he can never remember that when Fallon is in his arms.

Somewhere between a matchmaking family (his) and dangerous workplace drama (hers), Fallon and Noah realize they might have more in common than they thought. But is it enough for happily ever after?

Just One More Temptation, book 3 in the stand-alone Sterling Family series, is a spicy, fun, hot, age-gap, single-dad, contemporary romance. Order today, and welcome to romantic escapism at its steamiest. 

AVAILABLE NOW

My Review:

As the fourth book in The Sterling Family Series, Phillips delivers a steamy and swoon worthy romance in Just One More Temptation. This grumpy-sunshine story will pull at your heartstrings and never let go.

Noah Powers never intended to find himself frantically searching for his twin daughters at a park in New York City. He had shared custody of his daughters up until six months ago when his ex decided to take on a huge career opportunity abroad. Now Noah has to juggle his busy career as a partner at a law firm, all while trying to find the perfect candidate to take care of his kids. So when the girls get attached to Fallon, the artist that works at a gallery where he ends up finding them in the end. Noah has to fight the desire to be near her. No matter how good she is with his kids or with him, he has to remember that there are things that could tear them apart.

Fallon Sterling never expected to bond with the two little girls that end up at the gallery she works at. They stole her heart and do did their dad. Her chemistry with Noah was instant, though it’s from her previous experience that she she vows to not fall for the an older man who is going to hurt break her heart. Yet, it’s Noah’s understanding that keeps her wanting to be with him. No matter the curveballs that get sent their way, she is all in.

I throughly enjoyed reading Just One More Temptation, the story was sweet and characters were likable. Noah’s daughter’s truly stole the spotlight, they are full of wit and charm. We get to see Fallon step up into a different role, she is not just working at the gallery but at some point she finds herself taking care of the girls while Noah finds them a nanny. On the other hand, Noah is protective of those he loves and that soon applies to Fallon. He has set his heart on her and the goal is to make her his no matter what. All in all, I would highly recommend checking out the book. I cannot wait to read the rest of the series! :)

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

My Rating:

Meet Carly Phillips:

Carly Phillips is the NY Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of over eighty sexy contemporary romances featuring hot men, strong women, and emotionally compelling stories her readers have come to expect and love. She is happily married to her college sweetheart and lives in Westchester County, NY. She is the mother of two adult daughters and three crazy dogs who star on her Facebook and Instagram pages. She loves social media and is always around to interact with her readers. Way back in 2002, Carly’s book, The Bachelor, was chosen by Kelly Ripa and was the first romance on a nationally televised book club. Carly loves social media and interacting with her readers. For more information on upcoming releases, sign up for her newsletter (below) and receive two free books!

https://www.carlyphillips.com/subscribe-newsletter/

To learn more about Carly Phillips & her books, visit here!

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🔖 REVIEW 🔖 A Simple Life by Melanie Moreland

A Simple Life by Melanie Moreland

Release Date: January 9, 2025

Pages: 290

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

From NYT bestselling author Melanie Moreland comes a feuding to lovers standalone romance -
John Elliott is a busy man. He runs his farm and his business, keeping to himself, with no time for anything else in his life.

Quinn Harper is a single mother, looking for a fresh start.
The small town she picked seemed perfect—until her first run-in with John.

They strike sparks of the wrong kind and insist that keeping their distance is for the best.

Yet, despite his growly nature and curt tone, he is sweet to her daughter.
And he finds himself looking for reasons to be in Quinn’s company.
Do things that make them both smile. Make him feel happy.

Sparks sizzle into a low, banked fire.
And then an inferno erupts.
Neither wanted it.
But now, they can’t live without it.

Author's Get ready to swoon over a rugged farmer with a hidden heart of gold, falling for a fearless single mom and her charming little girl.

AVAILABLE NOW

My Review:

Moreland has outdone herself in her latest release, A Simple Life. This opposites-attract second chance romance will leave you rooting for the characters until the very end!

For John Elliott, being able to take over his grandparents’ farm has has brought him a lot of joy and pride. His businesses keep him busy, with no time for any distractions of any kind. So when John gets word that one of his rentals has a new tenant, he is taken aback when he sees Quinn Harper. The beautiful woman he’d met at the local fair the night before. She is feisty and a single mom to her daughter, Abby. John apologizes for the assumptions that he’d made the night before, there is a part of him that feels protective of Quinn from the very beginning. Something that doesn’t change as the two start to get to know each other better. John has been alone for too long and he makes it his mission to convince Quinn that they might just be meant for one another. Starting a new chapter in her and her daughter’s life is what motivates Quinn Harper to move to a small town. Not realizing just how much their lives were about to change forever.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading A Simple Life, we get to know and fall in love with John’s caring self. He is overly protective when it comes to Quinn and her daughter. It’s a trait that shows Quinn how different he is from her ex. He is sweet and willing to teach Abby everything about being a farmer. We get to see their bond grow stronger throughout the story as well. Meanwhile, the relationship between the main characters just keeps getting steamer than ever and there is not denying how much they like being around each other. They both have pasts to overcome and they have to go through curveballs in oder to get their happily-ever-after. All in all, I would highly recommend checking out this book and any other book by the author. You will not regret it! :)

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

My Rating:

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🔖 RELEASE BLITZ 🔖 The Way We Score by Tia Louise {REVIEW}

The Way We Score by Tia Louise

Release Date: January 16, 2025

Series: The Bradford Boys #3

Pages: 360

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

We promised our love was forever. A decade later, two little blue lines might settle the score.

You've heard of those kids who peak in high school?
Meet my love life.
Garrett Bradford was mine from the moment we saw each other in ninth grade.
Even then, he was a six-foot-four mountain of muscles with bright blue eyes, a wide grin, and a way with his hands.
He was the high school football star, and I was the dance team captain.
We were the storybook cliché... until we weren't.

Now he's the most famous offensive lineman in the league, and I'm a buttoned-up, ultra-professional lawyer.
My dancing days are over, and my carefully controlled life is a mess.
Infertility killed my marriage, or that's what I told myself. Infertility and a cheating ex.
And my inability to get over Garrett Bradford.

One reckless night at his little sister's wedding is only supposed to be a reunion, a trip down memory lane to a time when life was happier.
Six weeks later, I'm staring at a positive pregnancy test wondering, How did this happen?

I figure I'm on my own until Garrett overhauls his life, moves back to our small town, and shows up every day to massage my feet, hold my hair when I barf, and go with me to all my doctor's appointments.

Our situation has an end date, just like it did so many years ago.
Unless this little score changes the game and gives us the second chance I thought we'd lost. 

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited! 

Amazon, Audible

My Review:

Louise delivers a heartwarming second-chance story in The Way We Score. As the third book in The Bradford Boys Series, this small-town sports romance will leave you wanting for more!

They thought that their love was going to last forever, but for Garrett Bradford and Olivia Bankston, their lives completely change the minute they get accepted into different colleges. While Liv’s dream is to become a professional dancer, Garrett’s is to be a pro football player. Neither of them expected to be pulled apart after having known each other since they were kids. But Garrett is set on to follow his future, not realizing that he would not see Liv again for many years. A decision that completely devastated Liv and one that made her afraid of trusting completely. She will not let herself get hurt again, even if it means having to see him again ten years later. It would take a decade to bring them together, with her as a professional lawyer and him as a famous offensive lineman for the New Jersey Pirates. It would take one night to cross the line of no return to bring into question their potential future together. Giving Garrett the chance to prove that he is a changed man before it’s too late.

I loved reading The Way We Score, to see how the characters grow overtime as they navigate the second chance that they have been given. It’s evident that Garrett truly cares about Liv, he goes above-and-beyond to be for her when she needs him the most. He is willing to do anything for her and adding a baby to the mix is what gets him in an overprotective mode. Although Liv’s previous relationship failed, making her believe that she was at fault, there is a part of her that was scared to give Garrett that second chance. Yet, he has always been it for her even after many years apart. Now they have to lean on each other for the next phase in their lives. All in all, I would highly recommend checking out the book. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series. :)

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

My Rating:

Meet Tia Louise 

Tia Louise is the USA TODAY best-selling, award-winning author of super-hot and sexy romances. All her heroes are alphas with hearts of gold, and all her heroines are the smart, sassy ladies who love them.

NEVER miss a New Release or Sale--get her newsletter now: http://smarturl.it/TLMnews
OR Get New Release Text Alerts: Text "TiaLouise" to 64600 (U.S. only)

Keep up with her at TiaLouise.com or Instagram (@AuthorTLouise) or Facebook (@AuthorTiaLouise).

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🔖 REVIEW BLITZ 🔖 The Proposal Play by Lauren Blakely

The Proposal Play by Lauren Blakely

Release Date: January 8, 2025

Series: Love and Hockey #3

Pages: 528

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Sports

My plan when I win a date in Vegas with my brother’s hockey star best friend? Poker and go to sleep early. Instead, I wake up with a ring on my finger and the sexy athlete naked in my bed.

But Asher’s my best friend too so we’ll get this annulled and laugh about this secret for years to come.

Trouble is our wedding pics went viral overnight.

Now everyone thinks we’re a real couple. We race back home, where I’ve just landed the big art commission of my dreams and he’s launching a sports charity so we need to look like we meant to tie the knot.

Easy enough. We’ll claim we’ve been secretly in love, while staying in separate rooms for the rest of the hockey season.

The last thing either one of us wants is to ruin a decade-long friendship by falling into bed again.

But I experience a new side of my husband at home. He cooks for me, encourages me…and buys me so many toys.

And, it’s more fun to share your toys with a friend.

We’re just enjoying temporary marital benefits.

Except, the more times he calls me his wife, the more I start to wonder if Asher was ever pretending?

And if my heart is ready to take the biggest risk of all.

Amazon, Audible

My Review:

As the third book in the Love and Hockey Series, Blaklely delivers a steamy and swoon worthy romance in The Proposal. This friends-to-lovers story will leave you wanting for more, highly recommend it!

For Asher Callahan and Maeve Harley, having been friends for a decade they’ve seen each other go through ups and downs. She is his lucky charm and Asher doesn’t take their friendship for granted. While Asher’s career as a professional hockey player for the Sea Dogs of San Francisco takes off, Harley is still trying to find her footing as an artist. Maeve thinks that no one is going to want to marry a broke artist who’s bad at romance, so Asher makes her a proposition, that if she is ever in need of a husband he’ll marry her. She accepts, not realizing that they would end up just that in order to save Asher’s reputation. Now they have to pretend in front of the whole world that they love each other. But with close proximity, they start to see each other in different light and Asher wants to keep her as his for good. He just needs to convince her that they might just be it for one another.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Proposal, Blakely is such a great storyteller/writer, her stories are always well-developed and full of emotions. We have two characters who have been through similar circumstances, neither thinks that love is in the cards for them. Until they are put in a situation where they have to pretend to be in love with each other that everything changes between them. Asher starts to realize that he might have loved her all this time and wants to be the man she wants. But making the wrong move can jeopardize their friendship as well, one that she is so set on keeping safe. Filled with sweet moments and a little dog in the mix, I would highly recommend checking out this book as well as any other by the author. You will not regret it. :)

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

My Rating:

                                     

READ THE EXCERPT:

It’s a soulful, lingering kiss that thrums deep in my bones. She’s soft in my arms, her breath gusting across her lips. A whimper crosses them too, and it sounds like a plea for more.

I want to swallow all her sounds, let them lead me on into the night.

Because they are not platonic.

They are not friendly.

They are unbearably sexy and needy.

Maeve Hartley tastes incredible, and this kiss rattles through my entire body, touching every damn corner of me. I don’t let go. As I kiss her more deeply, I’m struck with a cold, new clarity. It wasn’t merely affection I felt all along. It wasn’t simply lust either. It’s a whole lot more than basic attraction.

I’m wildly, annoyingly obsessed with my best friend.

Otherwise known as…my wife.

ABOUT LAUREN BLAKELY:

A #1 New York Times Bestselling, #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling, and #1 Audible Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s cute but spicy. Lauren likes dogs, cake, and show tunes and is the vegetarian at your dinner party.

Connect w/ Lauren:

Website: laurenblakely.com

NL Signup: http://laurenblakely.com/newsletter

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LaurenBlakelyBooks

Instagram: http://instagram.com/laurenblakelybooks

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