Audiobook Review ~ Dirty Exes by Rachel Van Dyken

Dirty Exes by Rachel Van Dyken
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

It’s been a while since I read a book by Rachel Van Dyken, so I decided to listen to Dirty Exes. The premise made it sound like one hell of a rollercoaster ride, and it certainly was! I laughed a lot through this one as Blaire managed to get herself into amusing situations and constantly needed help getting out of. I liked both Jessie and Colin and had no idea how this one was going to turn out, but I was happy at the end of the read.

The narration was done by Kristin Watson Heintz, Joe Arden and Teddy Hamilton, portraying all three characters and I believe they brought the right amount of fun and entertainment to the amusing characters that Rachel Van Dyken created.

Title: Dirty Exes

Author: Rachel Van Dyken

Series: Liars, Inc. #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: June 5, 2018

They’re serving up some red-hot revenge. A sizzling series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Rachel van Dyken.

Blaire has never quite gotten over Jessie Beckett, the ex–NFL star whose kisses were hot enough to ignite the entire Eastern Seaboard. When he chose work over her, Blaire was left brokenhearted. Why else would she have married a skeezy two-timer, just to divorce him less than a year later?

Now Blaire is getting even by becoming one half of Dirty Exes, a PI firm fully committed to humiliating cheating jerks. If only the new jerk she’s been hired to uncover wasn’t Jessie Beckett himself.

Exposing Jessie isn’t going to be easy, especially when she still daydreams about his sexy smile. Further complicating matters is Colin, Jessie’s best friend. He’s gorgeous, a little bit cunning, and willing to help Blaire get the inside scoop on Jessie—for a price.

Now caught between two men—one totally right and the other totally wrong—Blaire will need to decide just how much she’s willing to risk…and whom she’s willing to risk it for.

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Review ~ Hate Notes: A Grumpy Boss Romantic Comedy by Penelope Bloom

Hate Notes: A Grumpy Boss Romantic Comedy by Penelope Bloom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I’ve read a few books by Penelope Bloom before and when I came across Hate Notes, I was excited to see how it would unfold. I enjoyed getting to know both Ember and Orion, they were both driven characters and I could see they were perfect for one another.

Orion was quite a particular character, liking his routines at home and at work. He was feared by his employees, but there was something about Ember that managed to bring out his softer side, and some of his rules slipped. Ember was a feisty character and had her own plans but didn’t mean to fall for Orion. She had to decide on following her heart or her plan.

This read wasn’t a favourite of mine, I felt a lot of elements were in the book but didn’t really combine well together. Some things that the characters did were odd and I was left wondering what the hell happened. It had amusing moments but wasn’t quite the comedy that I hoped.

Title: Hate Notes: A Grumpy Boss Romantic Comedy

Author: Penelope Bloom

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: January 6, 2025

When my cheating ex destroyed my life, I did what any reasonable woman would do—I dove head-first into a petty revenge scheme. After all, I've always been more of a 'go down swinging' kind of girl.

My brilliant plan? Deliver hate notes to my ex's biggest business rival until he’s so fed up he hires me just to make it stop.

Too bad nobody warned me that my newest boss would be six-foot-three of grumpy, dimpled perfection—or that beneath his icy exterior beats the heart of a man who sends me scandalously demanding emails by night and gives glimpses of surprising tenderness behind his scorching glares.

Now I'm falling for the man I'm supposed to be sabotaging, stealing kisses between meetings and pretending I don't live for those moments when his perfect control slips. My ancient, possibly immortal cat judges me daily for this mess, but then again, he also judges me for showering.

I never meant to find purpose in this job or trust again after having my heart shattered. But somehow the grumpiest boss in the city has me believing in second chances—even if mine might expire the moment he discovers why I really took a job working under him.

Let’s just how this doesn’t blow up in my face as badly as the time I tried to potty train my cat.

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Audiobook Review ~ Not Quite Dating by Catherine Bybee

Not Quite Dating by Catherine Bybee
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is the first book that I have read (listened to) by Catherine Bybee and I was pleasantly surprised on how much I enjoyed it. Jessie was open that she was looking for a “rich man”, but Jack was determined to win her over. Jessie did have drive and was looking to set herself up as best as possible for herself and her son. Jack liked meeting a girl that wasn’t thinking about the money that he had. I enjoyed seeing the growth between these two and how well they gelled together.

The narration by Amy McFadden was done well and I liked they way she drew me into this world. I am certain this won’t be my last Catherine Bybee read.

Title: Not Quite Dating

Author: Catherine Bybee

Series: Not Quite #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: November 13, 2012

From New York Times, USA Today, and WSJ bestselling author Catherine Bybee comes the first novel in the delicious Not Quite series.

Waitress and single mom Jessica “Jessie” Mann is practical to a fault. Even if she had time to date, which she doesn’t, she’d be determined to provide her son with a more secure upbringing than the one she had—and that would mean a husband with big bucks. When Jack Morrison—a sexy-as-sin, seemingly broke customer with a cowboy hat and a seductive grin—tries to flirt with her, she shoots him down. She doubts a carefree dreamer like Jack can provide the financial stability she needs. Yet with Christmas just weeks away, and Jessie not wanting to spend it alone, the charming Texan is proving hard to resist.

As the heir to the Morrison luxury hotel empire, Jack is used to being fawned over. But Jack needs someone who will fall in love with him—not his wealth. He’s set his sights on Jessie, though her hardened heart just might get in the way…To be sure, he conceals his true identity and offers to help Jessie find the rich husband she seeks. But Jack’s daring charade may rob him of the holiday wish he wants most of all…

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Audiobook Review ~ Crossroads by Devney Perry

Crossroads by Devney Perry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read the second book in the series before Crosswords, so I had to go back to see how it all began. I enjoyed how West and Indya had history over the years; however they hadn’t parted on the best of terms when they last saw each other. Indya returned to Montana to rebuild one of her favourite places that she visited as a child, but it was kind of heartbreaking for West to lose everything and remain working on the farm that was his home. These two may pretend to hate one another, but it was only going to be a matter of time until they worked through those unresolved feelings and faced the problems from the past.

Samantha Brentmoor and Connor Crais did a fabulous job of bringing West and Indya to life. They portrayed the characters perfectly and I found it hard to pull away from the story. Devney Perry is a master of putting together strong characters and building a world I can’t get enough of.

Title: Crossroads

Author: Devney Perry

Series: Haven River Ranch #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: June 4, 2024

A sweeping small-town romance about love, loss, and a Montana legacy from USA Today bestselling author Devney Perry.

I met West Haven when I was eight years old. He taught me to play poker when I was nine, and we made paper airplanes together when I was eleven. He kissed me when I was sixteen. He was the best part about my family’s summer vacations to Montana. He was the boy who stole my heart. I was twenty-three when life ripped us apart.

Years later, I’m breaking my vow and returning to the ranch, not as a guest but its new owner. West might want me gone, but even he has to admit the only way to save his family’s legacy is with my help.

It’s not easy working side by side and facing those old memories. But this situation is only temporary. We’re at a crossroads. And as long as I don’t let myself fall in love with West Haven again, maybe this is our chance to put those ghosts to rest. Maybe this time we’ll finally be able to say goodbye.

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Audiobook Review ~ Sunlight by Devney Perry

Sunlight by Devney Perry
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

This was the first book in the series that I read, and I devoured it in no time at all! I was quickly swept away into the world; the character development was done well and the chemistry between both Jax and Sasha was off the charts. I liked how all characters interacted and how deep the story became. My heart broke for Jax as he was able to open up and share his feelings to someone. Sasha was soon able to let down her walls as Jax tried to sell Montana life to her.

The Narration by Stephen Dexter and Ava Erickson was done perfectly. I was fully invested while listening to the story and I loved how they brought Devney Perry’s story to life.

Title: Sunlight

Author: Devney Perry

Series: Haven River Ranch #2

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: October 15, 2024

From USA Today bestselling author Devney Perry comes a sweeping Western romance about undeniable attraction, unforeseen circumstances, and seemingly unbeatable odds.

My first day in Montana, I got into a tug-of-war over a grocery store shopping cart. The most handsome man I’d ever seen broke up the scuffle before he asked me on a date. I was seconds away from accepting but then he told me his name.

As an owner of the Haven River Ranch, Jax Haven wasn’t my boss. But he wasn’t not my boss either.

Obviously, my only option was to turn him down, scurry away, then pretend like he was a stranger on my first day of work. And obviously, I could never, ever admit that he was my secret crush.

For as hard as I work at my job, I work twice as hard to pretend Jax doesn’t exist. I don’t let myself think about his dazzling eyes or charming smile. I refuse to acknowledge how good he looks in a pair of faded Wrangler jeans. And as tempting as he is in a cowboy hat, Jax is a distraction I cannot afford.

Everything was going according to plan until the annual holiday party. Until I drank one too many flutes of champagne and let him sweep me off my feet. After a night in his bed, there was no more ignoring Jax Haven. Not when I’m pregnant with his baby.

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Review ~ The Hero + Vegas = No Regrets by Louise Bay

The Hero + Vegas = No Regrets by Louise Bay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Worth and Sophia’s story was quite the ride. There were a lot of growth, entertaining and passionate elements through the read, as well as some serious side moments that Sophia needed to make sense of. I truly enjoyed seeing Worth fall for someone, even though he wasn’t expecting it. They were both able to feel free for a while, and although Sophia had some father issues to get through, I could see that Worth wanted to be all in for her.

This read had me hooked from the start. I enjoy a quick Vegas wedding that can turn into something more. Louise Bay created a huge cast of characters that I fell in love with and a world I need more of. This was the perfect read that I devoured quickly, and I know I will read more from this world.

Title: The Hero + Vegas = No Regrets

Author: Louise Bay

Series: New York City Billionaires #3

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: February 7, 2025

From USA Today bestselling author Louise Bay, comes a new secret marriage, billionaire standalone romance featuring your favorite New York billionaire crew. This is a he falls first, unlikely pairing, Vegas Wedding, that brings all the heat and witty banter you'll love!

Loyal, hardworking, and trustworthy, I’m used to putting everyone’s needs before my own. I’m the ultimate good guy. But when Sophia Jones walks into my life, everything changes. Beautiful, guarded, and completely off-limits, she’s all I can see. Even though she’s being set up with one of my best friends, I want her for myself.

I try to fight my feelings but soon realize it’s futile. Thrown together at our friends’ wedding in Vegas, the more I spend time with her, the greedier I am for longer.

Vegas has a way of turning rules upside down, and one night changes everything. Between stolen glances and secret moments, I do the unthinkable—I ask her to marry me. Maybe it’s the drinks. Maybe it’s the city. Or maybe it’s because she feels the same connection I do, but she says yes.

Sophia’s hiding something—I can see it in her eyes—but it doesn’t matter. She’s mine now. And I’ll do whatever it takes to convince her this isn’t just a mistake. This is the beginning of forever.

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Review ~ Indiscretion by Vi Keeland

Indiscretion by Vi Keeland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book had my attention right from the start! I found it quite amusing and laughed as Dawson and Naomi met for the first time. The interaction was hilarious, and I knew I would like these two together. After the wedding though, the read became more serious as we got to know both Dawson and Naomi in the real world.

Dawson was a lawyer and needed a whole new staff as his ex-partner took just about everything. After a while he decided to hire Naomi and they began spending a lot of time together. I could see the chemistry building between them and it was only a matter of time before business mixed with pleasure.

I liked getting Naomi’s backstory to understand why she relocated to a new city and was after a new job. Dawson was dismissive of her at first but being a lawyer, his curiosity got the best of him. Seeing these two grow closer through the read was sweet and I could see how well they worked together.

Vi Keeland did a beautiful job piecing this read together. It had all the feels and I was swept away with the storyline and characters. It had serious elements but still had plenty of lighthearted moments and banter between the characters.

Title: Indiscretion

Author: Vi Keeland

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: January 13, 2025

★ A new, sexy standalone from #1 New York Times Bestseller, Vi Keeland. ★

He's her boss. She's his greatest temptation.

The first time I met Dawson Reed, we wound up in bed.
The problem was, neither of us knew the other were there.
When I woke up in the middle of the night and found a stranger next to me, instinct kicked in and I attacked the intruder.
Only it turned out, the man wasn’t an intruder at all.
Dawson had rented this cabin, too. Apparently, a system glitch allowed a duplicate booking.
We’d soon find out we were in town for the same wedding, and Dawson was the groomsman I’d been warned about. He was as tall, dark and jaw-droppingly gorgeous as my best friend had described. Though she was also right when she’d said you two will hate each other.
When daylight rolled around, Dawson and I attempted to straighten out the mess we found ourselves in. But it proved to be more difficult than we initially thought. Since it was a holiday weekend, there wasn’t a single room available for more than fifty miles.
I suppose things could be worse than sharing a cabin for a weekend with a handsome man you despise.
Like maybe him winding up being your new boss?

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Audiobook Review ~ In the Likely Event by Rebecca Yarros

In the Likely Event by Rebecca Yarros
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In the Likely Event was a good book to listen to. I thoroughly enjoyed the way Carly Robins and Teddy Hamilton told the story. I was quickly swept away in the story and found it hard to pull away from the read. It was easy to get swept away in this Yarros read and be consumed by her world and characters.

I liked getting to know both Nate and Izzy in the present and the past. They had a complicated history that was full of drama and intense connections. The chemistry was still there between them despite the complications they have faced and having to protect Izzy in Afghanistan was a difficult task for Nate as he battled with his feelings for her.

I enjoyed getting to know these characters and watch them grow close once again. They had some issues to face, but they deserved the happiness that they could have together. This read had it all, suspense, heartache and devotion.

Title: In the Likely Event

Author: Rebecca Yarros

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: August 1, 2023

When Izzy Astor gets on a plane to go home, she isn’t expecting much. It’s the usual holiday travel experience: busy, crowded, stressful.

Then she spots her seatmate, who is anything but ordinary. Nate Phelan sports dark hair, blue eyes, and a deliciously rugged charm that Izzy can’t resist. Their connection is undeniable. Izzy never believed in destiny before, but she does now.

Just ninety seconds after takeoff, their plane goes down in the Missouri River.

Their lives change. They change. Nate goes on to a career in the military while Izzy finds her way into politics. Despite a few chance encounters over the years, the timing never feels right.

Then comes a high-stakes reunion in Afghanistan, where Nate is tasked with protecting Izzy’s life.

He’ll do anything to keep her safe. And everything to win her heart.

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Review ~ Promise Me This by Karla Sorensen

Promise Me This by Karla Sorensen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ian and Harlow were so sweet to read about! I liked how they had a long history and were good friends from such a young age. Ian was the quiet and broody type; he would do anything for his family, had a kind heart and kept to himself a lot. He wanted to help his friend fulfil her dreams, and he offered Harlow and her daughter Sage a place to live, so that she wasn’t under the pressure of her parents.

I could see the connection between Ian and Harlow shifting slowly and how protective Ian became of both the girls. He would do anything to support them and went above and beyond at times. I could see the shift in Harlow once she moved in with Ian and her muse returned. She became more relaxed and her relationship with Ian changed as she started to see him more than just her friend.

Promise Me This was a slow burn read as Ian and Harlow got to know each other as adults. It was such a beautiful read, and I loved returning to this world that Sorensen has created. I liked getting glimpses of the other characters that I have come to adore and look forward to returning to this world soon.

Title: Promise Me This

Author: Karla Sorensen

Series: Wilder Family #3

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: May 9, 2024

Imagine this: an author with a raging case of writer’s block finds an unexpected source of inspiration in her grumpy, gorgeous new roommate. Sounds amazing, right? Except that new roommate is my childhood best friend. And Ian Wilder has been off-limits since I was five.

It’s been over a decade since I’ve seen him, but when I return to my hometown after years away, Ian’s exactly the man I remembered. The same guy who gave me his coat on a playground when we were kids and promised he’d take care of me forever. I need a quiet place to work with this deadline looming. I need a place where my daughter can unwind. Enter Ian with an offer I can’t refuse: his spare bedroom.

It’s an easy yes. Except now the problem is I can’t stop thinking about him, and these thoughts? They’re wandering out of the friend zone. I keep imagining very creative ways to rip off his clothes. And Ian starts giving me looks of his own, the kind that make my heart race.

One night, we cross a line we can’t uncross. The lines have blurred, and our friendship is hanging by a thread.

Imagine this: a woman falling for her best friend. And she has no idea if he feels the same.

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Audiobook Review ~ From Air by Jewel E. Ann

From Air by Jewel E. Ann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

From Air was a great beginning to the Wildfire series. I quite enjoyed getting to know Jamie and Calvin. He was a broody type of guy who had lost so much. Jamie was his polar opposite, being chirpy and set to experience as much life as possible. I liked they way their friendship grew and that they were each other’s person. They looked out for one another and their relationship grew into something more.

It wasn’t always smooth sailing as details from the past emerged and they realised how intertwined their lives actually were. My heart broke for both of them as they come to terms with everything and I just wanted them to get through. Overall, I was hooked and I loved how the friends they had were family to both of them and helped them to see what they couldn’t.

Ada Sinclair and Nelson Hobbs narrated this story perfectly. I enjoyed the way that they portrayed the characters and told Jewel E. Ann’s story. There were secondary characters that fleshed out this story and I am excited to see their own loves stories come to fiction.

Title: From Air

Author: Jewel E. Ann

Series: Wildfire #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: November 26, 2024

Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author Jewel E. Ann parachutes into the burning, hazardous heart of love in a sexy yet dramatic romance set in Big Sky country.

When Jamie Andrews moves in with a house full of firefighters, things start heating up fast. Battling the wilderness of rural Montana, these guys are always charging into danger—for a living, for duty, for the rush—and since Jamie is a psychiatric nurse, they fascinate her analytic mind. She can’t help but fixate on Calvin, a grumpy, enigmatic smoke jumper ten years her senior. She makes playfully tormenting him her pet project, trying to get him to open up. It turns out he gives as good as he gets.

When something smoldering between them sparks, they’ll have to keep it quiet, which makes Jamie start to wonder about Calvin’s secret, the one he won’t explain. She’ll learn more after life pulls them apart. But as she follows the truth like a trail of flame into the dark, will it lead her to hearth and home with Calvin…or will it all go up in a blaze?

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Review ~ The Love You Fight For by Brit Benson

The Love You Fight For by Brit Benson
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this read and loved watching Chris break Samantha’s walls down. These two had had a connection for a number of years, but hadn’t over crossed too many lines. However now that Sam was back, he was willing to see where things would go and wasn’t going to allow Sam to push him away.

Sam was a warrior; the more I got to know about her the more I liked her. She had endured so much in her life and was determined to bring the world down to her feet. She was amazingly strong, but had moments of vulnerability and would find comfort with Chris before rebuilding her walls.

These two were amazing together. I loved how they were able to comfort one another when needed. Chris was such a strong person and wanted Sam to open up to him, but understood that she was in a hard situation. There were moments that had my heart breaking for Sam, and she was almost at rock bottom, but she was a fighter. As the story unfolded I was proud of what she had done.

This was a fantastic read and I know I want to go back and read more from this series and more of Brit Benson’s work. The world was fabulous and the emotional rollercoaster I was on had me glued to the read.

Title: The Love You Fight For

Author: Brit Benson

Series: Next Life #3

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: March 15, 2024

The mask she wears for the world is flawless.
But I want the mess that she hides underneath.
Samantha Harper is untouchable.

She’s the closest thing we have to royalty in my small town.
Daughter of a senator.
Richer than sin.
Classy, elegant, and
Ice cold.

She’s my polar opposite.
And unfortunately,
She’s exactly my type.

Too bad royalty doesn’t fraternize with peasants.

Until one night,
Samantha Harper finds herself at my mercy,
and the temptation to dirty up her flawless facade is too great.

When her perfect mask slips,
It’s not an ice princess I find beneath
But a warrior in war-torn armor.
A snake in queen’s clothing.

All it takes is one night, and I’m determined.
She will never have to fight another battle alone.

***

The Love You Fight For is the third book in the Next Life world. 
It has a guaranteed HEA. While The Love You Fight For can be read as a standalone, it is recommended that you first read the Next Life duet to fully appreciate the story.

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