ARC Review: Solo by Lauren E. Rico

Solo is the first book that I have ever read by Lauren E. Rico, but it won't be my last. I really enjoyed this story and didn't want to put it down. Not only was this one an enemies to lovers story, but it was also student/teacher so it was right up my alley. While this one could be considered NA as Kate is still in school, the characters were on the older side so don't let that stop you from giving this one a shot. 

Katherine Brenner knows that her teacher Drew Markham hates her. But when she finds herself stranded outside his house in bad weather with a car that won't start, she would rather wait it out in her car than ask him for help. Drew knows that he needs to help her, even if it is the last thing he wants to do, but he never expects to want her the way he does. But their relationship has more obstacles than just Drew being her teacher, and if it gets out it could ruin both of them. 

I really liked these two. They each had a lot going on that you might not see at first, but I was so glad that they got the opportunity to hear each other out and get to know each other better. Each of them had so much to learn about the other, and I loved seeing that relationship start to develop as they got to see beneath the surface. I loved that Drew started to see just what she was going through in her life and how his protective side came out with her. They were really sweet together and there was such a strong connection that felt really genuine. I will say though that there were some things that Drew did though that were really hard for me to get over and for him to come back from, I did feel like he was sorry though and that went a long way for me. 

The only other criticism I had is that the ending to me was a little rushed. I began to worry that this one would end with a cliffhanger as it continued without wrapping up, but then suddenly it did and it just felt a bit abrupt. I wish it had more of a solid ending rather than feeling as though it was all wrapped up so quickly. Otherwise though, I really enjoyed this one and it won't be the last I read from Lauren E. Rico. This is one I would recommend, especially if you are like me and a fan of these tropes. This was really well done, and I enjoyed it a lot.

**ARC Provided by Publisher**

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Feature and Giveaway: The Bad Luck Bride by Janna MacGregor

All were shocked at the announcement of the “cursed” Lady Claire Cavensham to Lord Alexander Hallworth, the Marquess of Pembrooke, especially since she is already engaged to another unfortunate Lord. Perhaps she will make it to the altar this time with one of these fine gentlemen! —Midnight Cryer

No one is left breathless at the imperious pronouncement of her engagement to Lord Pembrooke more than Claire. She hardly knows the dangerously outrageous man! But after three engagements gone awry and a fourth going up in glorious flames, she isn’t in a position to refuse...

Alexander requires the hand of his enemy’s fiancée in marriage in order to complete his plans for revenge. It’s his good fortune that the “cursed” woman is desperate. However, what begins as a sham turns into something scandalously deeper...

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ARC Review: The Handy Men by Jamie K. Schmidt

The Handy Men is a quick and sexy by Jamie K. Schmidt. This story is a MMF menage, so if that is not your thing it might be best to steer clear of this one. While I was excited to read this one, I was also a bit wary. I have read some from Jamie K. Schmidt before, and they didn't entirely work for me. Unfortunately this one I had similar results with, and this will probably be the last I read from her. 

Jack and Dean love each other but are looking for a woman to feel as though their life together is complete. So when newly divorced Paige buys a bed and breakfast and hires them to help her fix it up, they see the perfect opportunity to complete their triangle. But Paige is hesitant to join them, especially with how small the island is. Can they prove to Paige that the three of them belong together and that they can have it all?

These three were definitely hot together and there was a ton of chemistry. I also felt like things were sweet and there was a genuine connection forming between them. Despite the heat and connection though, things took a sudden turn that ruined it all for me. While this one was going so well, I just couldn't get past the sudden drama that occurred, including some OW drama. It just ruined everything for me and there were some things that happened that I wasn't on board with at all. It really felt like there was some betrayal happening and I just couldn't come back from that. 

While this one had a ton of promise, unfortunately it took a turn that I didn't feel the story was ever able to recover from. I think that there are some that will really enjoy this story, and a lot of this is probably just some that bothers me personally. I have come to the conclusion though that this author just isn't for me, and while I don't seem to do well with her books I recommend giving her a shot if this one sounds good to you.

**ARC Provided by Publisher**

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ARC Review: Sex In The Sticks by Sawyer Bennett

I just have to take a moment to rave about this author. I've read many books by her including the legal briefs series, the Cold Fury series, the Sugar Bowl series, the Wicked Horse series and several standalones. I have to say that this author is one of the most talented versatile authors out there. There are a lot of authors that can do one thing well or maybe even a couple by Sawyer does everything well. This author can write about starry romance, hard core erotic sex, mystery/suspense, and just good old fashioned contemporary romance and she does it all well. This book is no exception. Sex In The Sticks is absolutely one of my favorite contemporary romances ever.

Valentine is a super rich New York socialite who is absolutely bored with New York men. For years Valentine has written a blog about NY men and her sexcapades with them. But recently, she has grown frustrated with men who spend more time and money on their hair than she does and can't resist any surface which might reflect an image of their face. Valentine wonders if there is something more out there and her best friend/cousin suggest that there might be and in might be in Alaska...of all places. Valentine packs up her little NY dog, a whole load of Louis luggage and her blog and heads to Alaska to find out if there is more to men.

What Valentine discovers in a small town in Alaska is the chief of police- Logan. Right away Valentine pegs Logan as the hottest thing in the entire state of Alaska. He also impresses Valentine as being a really good guy, the likes of which she is not accustomed to. But Valentine sticks to her plan to sow some oats in Alaska by dating a variety of men and blogging her experiences. She can't avoid Logan, however, because she keeps getting her citified self into various crazy situations from which Logan has to rescue her. The two develop an easy friendship and before long it is something much more.

I love the way Logan immediately claims Valentine once he acknowledges his feelings for her. I also loved how honest Logan is. I mean, geez, the guy made a couple of series mistakes (because he's a guy) but he was so straight up about claiming his errors and his plan to change, you just couldn't help but love him. Of course, the whole time you read this book, you keep asking yourself 'I wonder what would happen if Logan found out about Valentine's blog and the things she's saying about her Alaskan adventures?' We don't really want to know the answer to that but it keeps you on the edge of your seat.

The relationship that develops between this characters is a perfect balance of romance, friendship and humor. The sex is just explosive and Logan has a dirty mouth that I love! I actually had fun reading this book. I devoured it in one sitting and I highly recommend it.

**ARC provided by Publisher**

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Feature and Giveaway: The Heart of a Texas Cowboy by Linda Broday

Three Brothers. One Oath.

No Compromises.

The MEN of LEGEND

The Cowboy

One bullet is all it takes to shatter Houston Legend’s world. He swore he’d never love again, but with the future of the Lone Star Ranch on the line, he finds himself at the altar promising to love and cherish a woman he’s never met—a woman whose vulnerable beauty touches his heart.

All Lara Boone wants is a name for her baby. She never expected to fall in love with her own husband—or any man—after the heartache she’s endured. Yet when her troubled past catches up with them, Houston will move heaven and earth to protect his bride…and discover depths to a marriage of convenience neither realized could be theirs.

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