If you can’t beat him, keep him. And his boyfriend.
WALL There are many things a Chicago Wolves goaltender should be doing, and despising Milwaukee’s goalie tops the list. Not to brag, but I’ve been nailing it for eight years straight. It’s public record. There’s merchandise to prove it. What a goaltender should never do is walk in on said goalie, hand deep in his winger’s pants, andโฆstay. So anyway, guess what just happened. In my defense, observation is my craft and this was film study. Kind of. The incognito-mode googling afterward was also film study. And then that time on a video call wasโฆfilm study with live narration? I’ve been straight for twenty-eight years. I’d like to speak to a manager.
PATRICK They say you never know what you’ve got until it’s gone. Turns out I had a blissfully uncomplicated life. Right up until Wall walked in and shattered it. I’m not out, and it has never been a problem before. But now a man who hates me is knocking on my closet, and the possibility of the entire world finding out what Iโm wearing is getting too real. Even my code-red protocolโdenyโwonโt fly this time. Denial is hard to pull off when he catches you pressed against another man and, instead of stopping, you stare back and keep going. So I do the next best thingโget Theo on board, lure Wall into my closet, and close the door behind. Itโs a chaotic process. An unmuted mic here, an โaccidentalโ invitation there. One very strategically positioned chair. Some men bury the hatchet. I’d rather keep mine. Both of them.
THEO Okay, recap for the rafters: my no-labels goalie arrangement has somehow acquired a no-labels plus-one, who’s in a no-labels feud wit my original arrangement. Nobody is labeling anything, which some might call an unhealthy environment. Not me, though. Turns out, itโs my natural habitat. See, I’ve spent my whole life being too much, too loud. Too Theo. But one of these idiots likes running the show, the other one can’t stop watching it, and I am, and I cannot stress this enough, the show. They can hate each other all they want. None of my business, really. Now, if you’ll excuse me. There’s a hockey sandwich about to happen and I’m the meat.
Puck You Both is a low angst, high-heat MMM Hockey Romance. Itโs a part of Melting Ice series and can be read as a stand-alone.
I love romances because everything turns out with a HEA even in situations where they wouldn’t necessarily in real life. And if any one deserves a HEA its Theo. Being told he’s too much, too loud and not quite good enough to keep long term for a good part of his life … but he’s absolutely, unashamedly, and gloriously himself with Wall and Patrick. Sure, he’s waiting for it to all fall apart, not trusting that any of it is going to last, but you have to admire that he’s willing to just be him.
And they do love him. It takes Wall a bit to come to terms with what his feelings mean but he’s in it once he gets his head around what it means. I like how Phoenix has us there every step with Wall as he figures things out. I also love how, as much as Patrick goes into it feeling like he’s in charge, everyone finds a rhythm that has them fully participating and in a balanced relationship.
Like Love Pucktually, we get a delightful mix of humor and hijinks, with a heavy amount of steam, but also a touching story of people figuring out their place in the world and who they want by their side. Each of them has their own journey, their own way to get to a point that works for them all, but they are supported and celebrated by each other and those around them. None of them have to do any of this alone and I love that for them.
He left her once. This time, leaving isnโt so simple.
Philanthropist Dante Crane built his life three thousand miles from the woman he left behind. Then a charity event in Chicago drops Honesty Benitez squarely back into his path, and eight years of distance vanish in a single blink of her amber eyes.
Helping Honesty with her charity was supposed to be simple. Falling into her bed was supposed to be temporaryโa fling with a clean end date, right up until his flight back to California.
Somewhere along the way Honesty becomes tangled with his family, slips past the guarded corners of his heart, and starts imagining a future sheโs already grieved. Falling for him again was never the plan.
Now the choice is theirs to make: streamline their lives and put each other first, or part ways and let their story slip back into the past where they left it.
Perfect for readers who love: โ Second-chance billionaire romance โ A guarded hero and the one who got away โ Sexy, swoony, reunion-fueled heat โ Family entanglements and a future reclaimed
*****
Excerpt:
Honesty peered over the balcony as well, the wind lifting her dark brown hair. She wore it loose in waves, unlike the ponytail she’d favored in college. And that dressโdamn. If she’d wanted to show him what he’d been missing, she had his full attention.
But she was more to him than enduring beauty. He’d admired her poise and confidence while she’d stood at the podium. How she’d managed to keep it together while speaking of a brother she’d loved more than anyone was beyond him.
And he’d died just six months ago. An absolute tragedy.
A pang of regret hollowed out his chest. He wished he would have known. He would haveโฆ Well, he didn’t know what he would have done. But something. Something, rather than nothing.
Honesty turned away from the balcony to face him. Her eyes were like he remembered. Amber, with gold in the centers. Her mouth was exactly as he rememberedโframed by soft, shallow dimples.
“Thanks for the save.” Her tone had changed, though. Gone was the girl who animatedly told stories while he scarfed down the last slice of pizza. The tone she’d been using with him tonight had been polite. Distant.
“People ramble when they’re uncomfortable,” he said. “And when the event is centered around a loss or a tragedy, they get worse.”
“It’s funny how we’re all the same.” She sipped her wine, but her brow wrinkled as if she was reconsidering that observation.
“So. You’re still in LA?” she asked.
A clumsy segue, but he’d take it. “Do I detect a note of hope in your voice?”
Her laugh was more contained than the one in his memory. “Genuine curiosity.”
“I’m still in LA. So is my mom, though she’s heading to New York with a box of couture gowns as we speak.”
“Big film?”
“Always.”
She flipped her hair, revealing one smooth shoulder. He pictured kissing that shoulder like he’d done a thousand times before, a thousand years ago.
“And how is the foundation? Assuming you’re still in charge?”
“I belong on top.”
“Hmm.”
“That’sโ” He shook his head. “Not what I meant.”
She offered a restrained smile as her cheeks blushed pink.
“We’ve seen a lot of growth over the years. I’ve been on a hiring spree to keep up. I have to stay flexible to travel.”
“How is your family?”
“Brody and his fiancรฉe are expecting a baby girl any day now.”
“Brody? Wow. Is this the first baby in the family?” Her smile was more genuine now.
“Yeah, he beat me to it.”
“Well, Uncle Dante. You’d better keep your schedule flexible. How are your other siblings? Or should I ask where are they?”
“Here, actually.”
“Your entire family is in Illinois?”
“Not Dad. And Brody and Reagan are in New York part-time. But yeah, Jaylyn’s in the city and so is Zander, with his first girlfriend since Emily passed.” After he said it, he realized that Honesty hadn’t known that news.
“I’m sorry to hear about Zander’s wife.” Her face fell. “So much has happened sinceโฆ”
Since we broke up, he silently finished for her.
“And your business?” he asked. “Do you have a lot of clients?”
“I did. I used to. I don’t do many one-on-ones any longer. Somehow I went from passionate solopreneur to employing a team. And nowโฆ” She shook her head. “I don’t know. It’s a half-baked idea.”
His ears perked. “Half-baked ideas are my specialty.”
“It’s nothing.”
“Now you have to tell me.”
“It’ll sound silly to someone who runs an entire foundation.”
“You have my undivided attention.” He stepped closer to her. So close, her confection-like perfume tickled his nostrils. His mouth watered as he picked up notes of caramel and almond. A hint of cinnamonโฆ
Was it normal to want to kiss an ex-girlfriend fifteen minutes upon reuniting with her?
“I have an idea for a charity. For veterans.” She wrinkled her nose. “A bit more than an idea. I want to provide meals and teach nutrition and cooking so that they can lead long and healthy lives.”
“That’s admirable.”
“Thanks.” She cupped her wineglass with both hands. “I’m a little shy about the asking-for-money part. I’m no socialite.”
“Philanthropy is more than ass-kissing.”
“I didn’t mean to implyโ” Her eyebrows jumped.
“No, you didn’t.” They were back to being polite. Careful. There was a time when they would have gone to the mat over less and had make-up sex shortly after. “I was agreeing with you in a really weird way.”
A group of women filed out the balcony doors, intercepting their conversation. He had a choice to make. Either wish Honesty well or continue the evening at her side. He knew what he wanted.
Now to convince her.
“Have you talked about your non-profit with any of the guests tonight?” he asked.
“Oh, no. It’s in the beginning stages. Probably too soon to ask for money.”
“First rule of charity.” He offered his arm. “It’s never too soon to ask for money.”
*****
Review:
I so enjoy Lemmon’s writing. It’s so smooth and easy to read, which means I just sail through her stories.
I liked Honesty and Dante and thought they were good together. I was a little confused on Dante’s issues other than … he’s just a clueless guy? He doesn’t see what’s right in front of him? I get that he’s spent a long time putting his own wants and needs last but I’m not really sure why exactly. I guess because he was put in charge of his foundation at a pretty early age and had to completely reorient his life around it … I gotta admire that light bulb moment tho, even if it took him a bit to get there ๐
And I admire Honesty for putting herself first and not settling for less than she deserves. I mean, of course we knew she was going to get in over her head from the moment she agreed to a “fling” … girl, the man is sexy, rich, and throws himself fully into helping you (in and out of bed), your heart was never not a part of the situation! I also love the whole women supporting women vibe with Dante’s family as well as Honesty’s friend Gabby. You know they are going to be there for each other going forward.
You always have to do some suspension of disbelief with romances, especially billionaire romances, but the timeline with this one was a little skewed. The whole book covers like 2 weeks? And the amount of stuff they got done, including a huge benefit dinner … yeah, that’s a little bit much ๐ But hey, if it gets us to that HEA I’ll go with it!
*****
Author Info:
Jessica Lemmon is a former job-hopper who resides in Ohio with her husband and rescue dogs. She holds a degree in graphic design currently gathering dust in an impressive frame. When sheโs not writing emotionally-charged stories, she spends her time drawing, drinking coffee, and laughing with friends. Her motto is Read for Fun, and she believes we should all do more of what makes us happy.
Iโve been a single dad for five years. Then the wrong woman rented the guest cabin behind my house, and I knew right then she was going to ruin everything.
When Baylor’s mother walked out, I made a promiseโI’d be enough. Just the two of us. No one to disappoint her. No one else to leave.
Then Emelia Greene rolled into Echo Lake in a Mercedes and a power suit to convince the townspeople to change what makes our small town great. Sheโs everything this place isn’t.
Emelia’s not supposed to be kind. She’s not supposed to be good with my daughter. She’s definitely not supposed to be the one I find myself confiding in at the end of my dock every night.
She’s leaving in three months. I know that.
The problem is, I can’t stop wondering what it would be like if a woman like her belonged in a place like this.
Duet Narration by: Jason Clarke & Callie Dalton Also Featuring: Connor Crais, JF Harding, Aaron Shedlock & Jill Smith
*****
Review:
I always get so excited when I see a new series with Piper Rayne on the cover ๐ There’s just a certain charm about their stories, with characters that I enjoy getting to know. Holding Ground is well paced, with an adorable little girl and her sexy, serious, sweet dad. And we’re introduced to a new community with all the small town charm and quirky characters that a reader could ask for.
I don’t blame Elliot for not only his concern about what Emelia’s visit means for his town but also for himself. The man has had blow after blow in his life, and struggles with the idea that people will always leave. It makes him extra prickly … but he’s a smart man, surrounded by other smart men who won’t let him lose out on something good.
After reading quite a few of their books I really should know better by now, that just when I think it’s obvious where things will go these two always surprise me. I mean parts of it play out as you’d expect but they don’t take the obvious, easy way for the end of this one. And I really appreciate that about them. I like how things wrap up for everyone, delivering a satisfying conclusion for everyone involved. And a bit of a peek at what is coming next!
Iโm just meโplain, boring Theo. Everyoneโs friend but no oneโs boyfriend. Dating apps donโt work for me, and the one time I try to change my image is a total disaster.
All I want is someone to come home to and hold hands with. A boyfriend whoโll love me. It doesnโt help that I have this silly crush on Jaxon Polaris, our sexy, gorgeous, district attorney. Heโs a flirt whoโs never without a date. No matter how nice he is to me, I know the truth. A man like Jaxon would never be interested in someone like me.
JAXON
I love being the district attorney of Appleton Falls, but I definitely have dreams of sitting on the bench. When the leader of the party approaches me, suggesting I run for a judgeship, Iโm thrilledโฆuntil he tells me my image as a party boy might hurt me with small-town voters. I canโt deny itโIโve had more than my share of lovers, and Iโve never hidden my desire to remain single. His suggestion? Find a nice guy and make him my boyfriend.
Problem is, I donโt know any nice guysโฆexcept shy, quiet Theo Sweeny.
Reluctantly, Theo agrees to my boyfriend proposal, and the man proceeds to challenge me at every turn. Shy? Heโs stubborn and feisty. But his kisses are so sweet, and I canโt stop thinking about him. Being with Theo means Iโll have to tell him my truthโa secret that could prevent me from achieving my dreams. But the more I get to know Theo, the more I come to realize: Win or lose the election, what Iโm searching for might be right here by my side.
I could not adore Theo any more than I do. He is so sweet, a bit shy, but not a pushover when it matters to him. My heart breaks thinking about the abuse he experienced at his father’s hands and how it helped make him so unsure of himself. Then years of being overlooked by men … add a crush on sexy, confident, relationship adverse Jaxon and *sigh*
While Jaxon may have all the swagger and feel like he doesn’t need anyone, that’s before he lets Theo get close. No one is immune to Theo’s charms ๐ But as much as I felt for Theo I felt just as much for Jaxon. He was done dirty at pivotal times in his life and it’s impressive that he’s as good of a man as he is.
These two are fantastic together. Jaxon helps Theo gain confidence in himself & his place with those around him and Theo shows Jaxon what life can be like when he truly shares it with someone else. It’s a bumpy road to get them there but not one that’s overly angsty and it is so satisfying for them to get to that HEA.
Julian Langley has everything a man could ever wantโa sprawling Manhattan townhouse, a multi-billion-dollar portfolio, and ownership of the New York Vipers, one of the most coveted franchises in professional hockey. What he doesn’t have, and will never allow himself, is anyone who matters too much. Carrying a devastating loss that completely reshaped him, Julian has since built his life around the certainty that nothing will ever cost him that dearly again.
Harper Hawthorne isn’t looking for a billionaire. She’s looking for a way to keep the lights on. Single-handedly holding her world together since she was a teenager, Harper works two jobs, lives in a rent-controlled apartment on the Lower East Side, and sacrifices everything for her younger brother. When an unexpected phone call lands her a chauffeur job behind the wheel of Julianโs car, she takes it for exactly what it is: a paycheck.
Julian notices everything about her. Harper tries not to notice anything about him. What begins as a professional arrangement starts to crack at the edges when Harper proves, repeatedly and effortlessly, that sheโs unlike anyone Julian has ever encountered before. Sheโs too sharp to ignore, too genuine to keep at arm’s length, and entirely unimpressed by his world in a way that makes it impossible for him to stop thinking about her.
Julian doesn’t do commitment. Harper doesn’t believe in fairy tales. But some collisions are inevitable and some people are worth every risk you swore you’d never take again.
Julian is a slow-burn hockey romance about a guarded billionaire, the woman who got under his skin without trying, and the long road back to trusting that a second shot at love is always worth the leap.
This is a cute Cinderella type story. Harper is trying so hard to keep her head above water and I admire her gumption. The way she hustles and the care she gives to her brother. But who can blame her for being swept off her feet by Julian. The man actually pays attention and that is so sexy! Moments spent together, conversation and quiet meals, leads to a sweet slow burn romance between them.
Overall, it’s low angst, and deliciously sexy, but things aren’t completely smooth sailing. And, while I really enjoyed it and liked the two of them together, Julian really needed therapy for his grief. He seems so put together and understanding that you would expect him to have talked to someone about the way he’s handling his past. It would really have done a lot for him.
It’s been a while since I’ve read one of Bennett’s hockey romances and I gotta say she’s still got it. Julian is spicy, sweet, and easy-to-read. I’ve always loved her characters (while I adore Harper and Julian, it’s Percy that steals the show in this one) and the smooth way her love stories play out. I’m guessing we’ll get Tanner’s story next and I’m curious to see what depths he might be hiding behind his charm.
*****
Author Info:
New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both womenโs and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.
A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.
If youโd like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).
Bill Keenan played hockey at Harvard University from 2005 to 2008 and professionally in Europe from 2009 to 2012. After completing his MBA at Columbia Business School, he worked for two years in Deutsche Bank’s investment banking division. He currently serves as COO of Graydon Carter’s Air Mail.
I planned on coming out in the NHL. I didn’t plan on having to switch teams to survive it.
With the New York Rush, keeping my head down should be safeโuntil rookie defenseman Finn Baran shows up. Finn is talented, determined, impossible to ignore. Every late-night conversation and every stolen glance on the ice pulls me closer to a line I swore I’d never cross.
Falling for my teammate was never part of the playbook.
Finn
After going undrafted, I thought my hockey dreams were over. A last-minute tryout with the Rush gives me one more chanceโand puts me face-to-face with Selwin Kirkland, a player I’ve admired for years.
Our chemistry is undeniable. The timing couldn’t be worse.
As friendship turns into something more, we have to decide if protecting our careers is worth losing the one thing we never saw coming: each other.
Rookie Attraction is a bi awakening, friends-to-lovers, hurt/comfort MM hockey romance. Book 1 of the NY Rush seriesโwhere love doesn’t play by hockey rules.
It took me about half a chapter to be hooked on these two! I absolutely loved Sel and Finn together. Poor Sel whose coming out did not go at all how he expected. The heartbreak and tension in those first few days … ugh! But I love that he was able to find a supportive home with the Rush. It’s not smooth, but it is definitely so much better.
Running into Finn again is a complication that he never planned on. Finn who is so adorable with his enthusiasm, chattiness, and the way he embraces everything that comes his way. No way that Sel (or me) was going to be able to resist him ๐ Together they warm the heart and heat up the sheets – whew!
I feel like Olsen handled things well – with Sel’s coming out, Finn being demisexual, and what it means for them to be together. There were some obvious places that the story could have gone but I think that what we got worked and I appreciated that it got only a little angsty. We also get a hint at what comes next and I’m all here for the trouble that Kirkland brother #2 brings!
(This is my first book from this author and while there are characters from other books that make an appearance it didn’t impact my enjoyment of the book.)
*****
Author Info:
Ava Olsen writes steamy and dreamy contemporary romances filled with heartwarming characters, cheeky banter and swoony moments.
Can a Marine on a mission handle Hollywoodโs hottest star? The sparks on the action movie set are nothing compared to the ones flying between them…
Olivia Quinn succeeds through simplicity and discipline, whether sheโs dominating in the gym, or serving as a Marine. But when her director brother unexpectedly makes her the military consultant on his latest action film, her structured plans go out the window and sheโs thrown into an unfamiliar and unpredictable world alongside hotshot action star Chris Blackstone. The cocky actor is everything she canโt stand, with his chiseled, self-important abs, condescension, and charmโfor to everyone except her.
Chris is determined to make Desert Strike the blockbuster hit his new production company needs. A fake PR romance with his popular co-star keeps the publicโs attention on the movie and distracts the media from his messy family drama. The last thing he has time for is clashing with a disturbingly hot, no-nonsense Marine consultant who sees right through his act. And he definitely canโt afford to fall for her.
Staged explosions give way to sizzling chemistry neither of them can ignore. But when Chrisโs ghosts and the paparazzi twist their connection into a media firestorm, he faces a brutal choice: Will he protect the career and image he works so hard forโor fight for the woman who makes him feel like a real person? And under the burning spotlight, Olivia must decide if a lifetime of building strength means sheโs strong enough to be honest with herself and open her heart to the vulnerability of love.
This is the first for me by this author and I quite enjoyed it. It was a fast read and, while somewhat predictable, all the characters we meet are enjoyable and I liked Chis & Olivia together. I loved Olivia’s strength but she also has a vulnerable side. One that wants to be chosen, especially by Chris. Between his career and his family, Chris has trouble trusting people and letting them in to his life. Which of course means their issues are going to bump against each other at some point, causing problems with their relationship. And while I kinda wish it had been explored a little differently (because really it was something that they should have known was going to happen and handled better), it does work and gets resolved well. It looks like this is a relatively new author and I’m looking forward to seeing where her books continue to take us.
*****
Author Info:
Jaime got hooked on romance novels at an inappropriately young age. Sheโs a New England dairy farm kid turned Wyoming cowgirl turned cattle genetics writer, turned romance writer. Jaime lives with her former US Marine husband and spends her days wrangling their four children and numerous farm animals, reading or writing romance novels, binging on romance-related podcasts, and adding more things to her to-do list than she could ever possibly get done.
Sometimes you have to break all the rules to find everything you never knew you wanted.
Come along for the fun, sexy ride as billionaire Fitz Silver pursues his biggest challenge yetโtaming wild child Jennifer Stone. Loaded with heat, humor, and heart, this steamy, small-town, standalone romance is unputdownable. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a happily ever after that will leave you thinking about it long after you read the last page.
โSilver Islandโs golden boy Fitz Silver keeps his business dealings clean, his affairs private, and fulfills every promise he makes.
Infuriatingly so. Heโs six-plus feet of gentleman in the streets and an unrelenting alpha in the sheets. I should know. I enjoyed a single scorching night in his bed over the summer. But contrary to Fitz being every womanโs fantasy, heโs my worst nightmare.
Iโm a risk taker, a rule breaker. I wasnโt looking for more than a little vacation fun, but that passionate night knocked me off my feet.
When a chance encounter brings me face-to-face with the man who ruined me for all others, I know better than to land in his bed again. Unfortunately, outside my job as a high school principal, Iโm not known for my good decisions. Once again I plan to leave Mr. Silver and our surprising connection behind, but heโs annoyingly unforgettableโฆand then two pink lines change everything.
I’m not usually a fan of the accidental pregnancy trope, or black cat heroines for that matter, but I know that pretty much anything in the hands of a good author is going to work. And Foster is one of my favorites so I didn’t hesitate to jump right in. She proved me right because I really fell for Jennifer and Fitz together.
Jennifer has been hurt in the past, majorly, and it has cause her to build up some pretty big walls. Fitz on the other hand has always been kind of a gold child, the “good one”. He’s also a natural carer, a nurturer at heart. One with the patience and understanding to wait out Jennifer’s fears and concerns after they reconnect and spend a wonderful week together. The man sets out to woo her, even if she doesn’t (understandably) make it easy. An unexpected baby just gives him an easier time to show that he’s the man for her.
I gotta say I was a little worries when I looked down and saw that I was about 60% of the way thru the book and things were looking really good for these two. With that much story left … third act breakup? Some kind of trouble for them? But Foster handled the rest with the same care as the beginning of their story. None of their troubles were just there to add angst, they were understandable concerns and issues that the two needed to work thru together. I loved their deepening relationship and the life they were working on creating together.
And it wouldn’t be a book about the Silver Island group without some shenanigans but it’s handled with good humor and fun. Like with everything, they live big, laugh big, & love big and that applies to Jennifer and her family as well. I always get giddy when a new Foster book comes out, to revisit this boisterous caring group, and this was no exception.
*****
Author Info:
Melissa Foster is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, & USA Today bestselling author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissaโs emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family orientedโperfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines.
Cozy and steamy, this is a small-town contemporary romance of forced proximity and one snowed-in night, where a sharp-tongued librarian and the town’s newest bad boy get stranded in the dark together.
Hazel Anderson braves a blizzard to check on the library’s resident tortoise, but being snowed in with Evergreen Cove’s newest bad boy was not on her BINGO card…
Lynx Dane is no one’s hero. He’s in town for a fresh startโand a fresh cup of coffee, which is when he bumps into the town librarian. Hazel’s sharp tongue, red hair, and freckles sweep every thought from his head. Before Lynx knows what hit him, he offers to see her safely to her destination.
Hazel knows Lynx’s brother, so trusting him to escort her for a few snowy blocks shouldn’t be a big deal. But as the storm worsens, the power goes out, leaving them stranded in the dark library together until morning.
Between flashlight confessions and shared drinks, the night heats up faster than a malfunctioning generatorโleaving them to wonder whether what they found in the dark was ever meant to survive the light of day.
Perfect for readers who โ Snowed-in forced-proximity small-town romance โ A sharp-tongued librarian and a reformed bad boy โ Cozy, steamy, one-night-to-forever heat โ Fresh starts and second chances
*****
Review:
It’s been a long time since I’ve read a Lemmon book and this one was a good pick to jump back in. It was short (a little too short but only because I enjoyed it & wanted more), fun, and satisfying. I liked that Hazel was sassy and smart and willing to give Lynx a hard time. I liked Lynx who is ready to grow up and find himself, wanting to step out of his brother’s shadow and make his own way. Drawn together at first sight and forced to spend the night together when they get snowed in at the library, they have a chance to explore that connection. While I would have loved more – more of them learning about each other, more of them discovering themselves, more of … well, them – I enjoyed the glimpse we’re given. Maybe we’ll see more of them in future books ๐
Ten years ago, my world shattered when I lost not only my best friend, but the man I loved. Coltโs brother was my best friend, and his death took two people from my life in a single moment. One I lost to tragedy, and one I lost to grief.
I waited for Colt to come home and grieve with the rest of us after his brotherโs death, but after the first year passed, it became painfully clear he wasnโt coming back to River Falls.
I did what I had to do to keep moving forward. I pushed every thought of Colt out of my mind. If only my heart had known how to loosen its grip on him. Instead, I poured myself into building a career as a farrier, supported my familyโs ranch, and watched one sibling after another find their happily ever after while I stood still, holding on to someone who wasnโt there.
Eventually, I realized that if I was ever going to find my own happiness, I had to stop waiting for it. I had to take control of my future.
And just when I finally believed I had everything figured out, Colt returned to River Falls, and my carefully built life fell apart all over again.
Colt
After ten years away, Iโm back in River Falls, not entirely sure where I fit anymore.
I left after my brother took his own life, drowning in guilt and convinced I was responsible. I couldnโt face my family. I couldnโt face Ensley. So, I ran and stayed gone far longer than I ever intended.
I told myself time would make it easier. It didnโt.
The moment I see Ensley Wilde sitting in a chair beside my fatherโs hospital bed, everything I buried comes rushing back. Including the guilt Iโve never managed to outrun.
For years, weโve all carried our own version of what happened to Grady, and the guilt that came with each version. But when the truth finally comes to light, will it be enough to heal whatโs broken between us, or will it destroy whatโs left entirely?
Can I earn my parentsโ trust again?
And more importantlyโฆ is there still a chance to win back Ensley Wildeโs heart, and the life I left behind? Can I finally give her the future sheโs always dreamed of?
Dear Reader,
Before you begin this story, I need to let you know that it deals with the sensitive subject of suicide.
If you need emotional support or have a loved one you think may need it, please call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
There is also an organization to help as well called, Reasons To Stay.
(Wilde Hearts is the fourth book in the Love is a Cowboy series. While each book can be read as a stand alone, I highly suggest reading them in order for a better reading experience.)
This was a such a fast read for me. It sucked me in and before I knew it I was almost done. I totally was in with Ensley on the mad-at-Colt train because that man did her dirty. I get that he was young and dealing with a lot of grief and guilt and all but running out on her … whew. And once we get his side of things, it makes it a little better but I’m not sure I would have been so quick to forgive ๐
They were dealing with a lot of heavy things tho. And, as someone who hasn’t experienced it that closely myself, I felt like it was handled with care? I see every POV, including Grady’s, and it is heartbreaking. I do wish that there had been discussion of getting professional help, even at their current situation, because I feel like there needed to be some resolution for a lot of their feelings. But they are there for each other and help every way they can.
I appreciate the big, loving family that is the Wildes. They are supportive and caring and open. The love and advice they give each other is powerful and I like that they believe in Colt enough to give him the chance to explain things. But now I am definitely looking forward to Gatlin’s story because even with his big heart there’s a bit of an ornery streak and I gotta know who is gonna bring him around!
