ARC Review: Worth the Shots by Heather M. Orgeron

Everything I’ve read from Heather M Orgeron, i’ve really enjoyed and I was excited to read this one. Unfortunately this book didn’t work for me at all, and I probably should have thrown in the towel instead of forcing myself to continue.

I really struggled to connect with either character here and they weren’t particularly likable. Aidan was too much of a manwhore but also came off as far too entitled/spoiled, which didn’t fit with his background at all. Ronnie was too meek and innocent, often turning into a stuttering mess for little to no reason. Everything was just so over the top and I couldn’t relate at all. 

I usually find the humor in Heather’s books to be fun and light, but in this case, it just rubbed me wrong from the start. It felt so forced and disingenuous, and that really distracted me from the story. It also felt like for a country star/band, the actions and happenings just didn’t fit. I don’t know why, but the whole story just didn’t seem real or believable. For me, this was a miss. I have seen a lot of very positive reviews though and would advise readers to read the blurb and a few reviews to see if this might be one that you enjoy.

**ARC Provided by Give Me Books**

Purchase: | Amazon | Kindle |

 

ARC Review: The Rules of Dating My One-Night Stand by Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland

The Rules of Dating My One-Night Stand is the third standalone story in the Laws of Opposites Attract series by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward. Each book features different characters from a group of friends that co-own a building together and I honestly cannot recommend this series enough! Each book is fantastic and the characters are all so easy to love.

This book features Devyn and Owen. I could not get enough of these two! They were perfect for one another and I loved how even though they did things backwards most of the time, it was exactly right for them! They had chemistry right from the start, but seeing their connection grow as they got to know one another was what kept me flipping pages! 

It was also great to see familiar faces have a role here as well. Don’t worry if you haven’t read previous books, it isn’t necessary to understand this book. I do recommend reading them though as they are great reads. You can never go wrong with anything written by Vi and Penelope, but I love this series so much. The Rule of Dating My One-Night Stand has everything I look for in a great story and I think readers are going to love this one as much as I do. The characters are genuine and likable, being so easy to relate to. This one is a must read!

**ARC Provided by Give Me Books**

Purchase: | Amazon | Kindle | B&N |

 

ARC Review: Does He Know? by Kaylee Ryan

 

When I read the blurb of Does He Know? by Kaylee Ryan, I couldn’t wait to read it! This book has everything going for it that I love in romance books…brother’s best friend, age-gap and five best friends (her brother and MMC among them) running a tattoo shop together? SIGN ME UP! This book absolutely delivered on everything I hoped it would! It was such a great read, and I didn’t want to put it down!

Emerson and Roman have always had a pull between them, despite the circumstances against them. Not only is there the difference in ages, but Emerson’s brother and Roman’s best friend will never accept them together. But these two can only fight what is between them for so long. Each of them struggle with what it means for them going forward, but once they finally give in, they both know that their futures are forever changed. 

These two were so hot together! They had so much chemistry between them, and you could tell things would explode at some point! But I loved seeing their connection grow and strengthen. These two were so good for one another and I loved their bond. Roman was so sweet with Emerson, and it was so genuine. He felt so much for her and you could just see that he would burn the world down for her. Emerson might have been younger than Rome, but she was so strong and confident. I loved that she knew what she wanted and wasn’t some immature girl waffling on things. Both of these characters were so likable and easy to relate to!

Besides Rome and Em, the rest of the Everlasting Ink family were fantastic! This was such a great cast of characters and I honestly cannot wait for more in this series! Each character had such a distinct and unique personality and I loved them all! Reading this book made me long to be a part of their crew, and I just couldn’t get enough of them. I highly recommend this book and will be anxiously awaiting the next book of the series!

**ARC Provided by Give Me Books**

Purchase: | Amazon | Kindle | B&N |

ARC Review: Ice Bet by SJ Sylvis

 

Ice Bet is the second standalone story in the Bexley U series by SJ Sylvis, and I couldn’t wait to read this one after reading Weak Side. Each story features new characters, but you will see familiar faces if you read in order. I highly recommend starting with Weak Side as it was such a great read, but it isn’t necessary to read it and understand Ice Bet. This series is one I am absolutely loving though, and I already can’t wait for the next!

Ice Bet features Aasher and his college hockey team’s coach’s daughter Riley. When she transfers to his school, his coach asks him to help look out for her. She quickly becomes the target of Aasher’s rival and some of the younger players on the team, with them in a race to see who can sleep with her first. But upon learning of the bet, she decides to play them at their own game. Aasher isn’t about to let her ruin his team’s chances at winning the championship though, and soon they come up with their own bet. Soon things get complicated between them as they begin to spend more time together and realize that what is between them is next to impossible for either of them to control. 

These two were so great together. I loved their banter and chemistry and how their connection just grew stronger as they really got to know one another. There was so much heat between them, but seeing them connect and grow closer was what had me not wanting to put this one down. Riley was such a likable heroine and honestly just so easy to relate to. I couldn’t get enough of these characters and I loved seeing their group of friends as well. 

It felt so great to be back in the Bexley U world, and I cannot wait for more of these characters to get their own stories. Hockey romance is a growing genre and I am absolutely here for it, that being said, they are not all created equal. Bexley U is one of my absolute favorite series for hockey romance though and I cannot recommend it enough. I need to read more from SJ Sylvis immediately as I am loving her writing and characters! Ice Bet is a must read!

**ARC Provided by Wordsmith Publicity**

Purchase: | Kindle |

ARC Review: Because of Her by Jewel E Ann

Because of Her is the sixth and final story in the Jack & Jill series by Jewel E Ann. This story is a standalone featuring Jackson Knight/Jude Day and his new temporary neighbor Frankie. I will caution readers that this book is romantic suspense and deals with several things that could be triggering, so please make sure to check before starting this book. It was not an easy journey, but I couldn’t put this book down.

Frankie finds herself in Kansas to take care of some things after some tragic events occur leaving her lost and looking for answers. When she is given a letter that sheds some light on the situation, she finds herself on a mission for revenge against a girl who took her nephew from her. But while she sets out to destroy one person’s life, she finds herself drawn to the mysterious neighbor next door living in a garage with a piano. As a former music professor, Frankie can’t help but be drawn to Jackson. For someone who may or may not be a serial killer though, Frankie feels surprisingly safe with Jack.

You do not need to read the previous books in this series, though fans of the series will recognize characters here and have a better understanding of the back story for them. I couldn’t put this one down, despite the serious topics here. I really enjoyed Frankie and Jackson’s connection and their banter. These two had a ton of chemistry and I enjoyed seeing how that played out the more they got to know one another. This was a heavier read that what I typically go for, Jewel E Ann is a great writer and did the story justice, captivating the reader from the very first page to the last.

**ARC Provided by Valentine PR**

Purchase: | Amazon | Kindle |