Blog Tour w/Review: Making Up by Helena Hunting

Full disclosure: I hadn’t read any of the other books in this universe, so it was all new to me. The only time I could tell I was missing something was how offhanded the descriptions of Griffin’s brothers’ and cousins’ relationships were. But, this could have been a read-alone just as easily. That’s how I approached it, and it totally worked for me.

Right off the bat, I was hooked because setting the opening scene in a sex toy shop was unique and entertaining. It also was a great perspective on Cosy’s personality. I thought she was the more fleshed-out of the two “leads,” but that might also be because Griffin appeared in other books, so there might have been more depth there. Regardless, I liked his personality a lot.

I also think that the author captured Cosy’s temperament. A college student in her early 20s would be prone to over-reacting and not always being level-headed about any complications thrown her way. For that reason, Cosy’s reactions seemed very real, and they didn’t bother me as some tantrum-throwing heroines have in other books (not naming names).

The plot was fun. I appreciated the juxtaposition of the two lifestyles and how quickly the plot moved along. There was not a lot of over-thinking or overwrought drama. Although, the twist thrown in a little over two-thirds of the way in was a good one (and something else that someone already familiar with the universe might have seen coming).

My only complaint about this book is the cover. I am beginning to feel like there is an over-saturation of shirtless man covers, and it tells me nothing about the story itself. Women are smarter than picking up a book simply because there is a hot body at the front. I would have loved to have seen a cover that had two characters in the clothing particular to Cosy and Griffin – or with an allusion to where they meet (acknowledging that marketing can be fickle about that stuff). It’s time to start getting creative with the covers!

Making Up by Helena Hunting
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am fast becoming a fan of Helena Hunting’s books, mainly because her characters are usually just a tad off the stereotypes often found in the genre. I liked both Cosy and Griffin for a few reasons. First, ya gotta love a gal who works in a sex toy shop (a great way to open). Second, I liked that Griffin was not the usual uptight billionaire dude who was all about work – he was open and playful pretty much from the start. I appreciated that it wasn’t a total 180-degree character change for either. I enjoyed their story and recommend this book. For more thoughts, please visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews. Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press (Swerve), and the author for a complimentary, pre-release digital ARC of this book.

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July 16, 2019July 16, 2019

Blog Tour w/Review: The McAvoy Sisters Book of Secrets by Molly Fader

I’ll be honest: the main reason I wanted to read this book is that I share a last name with the titular sisters. And I will admit, it was kind of odd to see that name repeated in the book. But that uniqueness faded as I became absorbed in the story.

Lindy left town over 17 years prior, which caused her sister, Delia, to take over the family business – something Delia never wanted. However, when their mother, Meredith, suffers a “brain event,” Lindy returns home. Her return is the catalyst for long-buried secrets to surface, forcing the sisters, Meredith, and Delia’s family to face the events that caused the family rift.

I realize that this description makes it sound like a simple family fight that the sisters need to get over, but it is so much more than that. The author draws so many parallels. One example is how Delia’s daughter, Brin, looks like Lindy and acts exactly how Lindy acted at the same age. Another involves a boy who Brin likes who is similar to a mystery boy from the past. It quickly becomes apparent that there is something deeper and more sinister that occurred to cause the family to split.

The descriptions of the repercussions from Meredith’s brain event are extremely well-described, and the imagery invoked in several passages made her experiences feel especially real. (They reminded me of dad’s health when it began to fail). But what I liked the most about the story is that the author didn’t get bogged down with minutiae and meaningless events; everything in the plot had a purpose (even though some weren’t clear until the very end).

I appreciate the attention to tying events together, which allowed the reader to draw conclusions (albeit sometimes incorrect ones) on their own.

And about those incorrect conclusions; I especially liked how the author planted a few details that kept me guessing up until the last page of the book. Although this wasn’t a mystery or psych thriller, it was more engaging than some books in those genres. It was just that well-written.

As I look over this review, I realize that the book is many things: a family drama, a cautionary tale, a mystery…but it’s all so subtle that it ultimately is just a superb story. Don’t miss this one.

The McAvoy Sisters Book of Secrets by Molly Fader
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book at first. What I got was a heartfelt story about family secrets and the lengths one might go to protect the people they love. I thought that everything from the characters to the plot to the setting was carefully thought out and well-described. I liked that I only got bits and pieces of the backstory as the plot progressed. The impact of the secrets that had been kept hidden coming to light was not unlike a storm crashing on the lake. The small mystery propelling the plot, and the role each of the McAvoy women played made this into a page-turner that I finished in a day. I highly recommend this compelling book. For more thoughts, please visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews. This review was written based on a complimentary, pre-release digital ARC of the book.

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July 2, 2019July 3, 2019

Blog Tour w/Review: Halton (Vested Interest #6)

Melanie Moreland’s Vested Interest remains one of my all-time favorites. Not only are the men hunky and smart, but they are evenly matched by the women they fall in love with – and who doesn’t love smexy relationships?

Sometimes a series reaches a point where it feels like the author is just rehashing the same plot but with different characters. That is NOT the case with Halton. Ms. Moreland keeps it fresh while expanding the BAM universe.

That’s one of the things I like the most about her books. She touches on the stories that came before, but she lets the focus of each book remain on the couple of the moment. This time around, it’s Halton and Fiona’s story.

I thought that the set up for these two was unique and worked well. It could have been melodramatic and soap opera-ish, but the realness of the characters made it totally realistic.

Another thing that Ms. Moreland does well is creating bad guys are who are easy to loathe due to their simple human failings. Fee’s ex-husband is smarmy and despicable, which makes Halton shine that much brighter.

Honestly, I just enjoy all of the characters in her books. She doesn’t leave anyone behind and there is never anyone superfluous or useless. Every character serves a purpose, which gives her books more depth.

Oh, and Magic Mike ain’t got nothing on Hal.

Halton: Vested Interest #6 by Melanie Moreland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m always excited to see a new book from this author, and her Vested Interest series is one of my favorites. I look forward to each new release, and the sixth book is no exception. The Boys of BAM have all settled down, so she now addresses characters who have had tangent connections to them. This story belongs to Halton (Hal), who has appeared briefly in past books, and Fiona (Fee). As always, the characters pop to life, and important secondary characters are as fleshed out as the two main characters. I absolutely loved Rene. His rapport with Hal was fun to read. Ms. Moreland is the queen of the slow-build romance, and I always enjoy watching the characters come to their realizations in their own time (even though the readers can see it building). I’m not sure who is left in the BAM universe, but I do hope she keeps finding hunky guys and the smart girls who love them to write about! This review was written based on a complimentary pre-release digital ARC of the book.

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June 28, 2019June 26, 2019

Blog Tour w/Review: Jackson

I am totally new to this series and this author, and count me in as a total convert! I absolutely loved the setting and the characters.

As always, you can get plot spoilers from the blurbs and other reviews. I want to talk about what really stood out to me in this book.

The camaraderie: The early scenes with the cousins (Jackson, Boone, and Tucker) had me chuckling from their first meeting up with each other. I liked how the author rolled out the stories as the cousins re-told them; instead of just telling the reader what happened, the reader got to reminisce right along with the guys (I’m thinking about why their great-aunt remembered them so well).

The interplay between cousins Celeste and Angelica (excellent names) is another example. Their totally opposite demeanors caused some friction, but when they worked off of each other, it was magical.

The author also hits on the small-town feel, from the secret list of contractors (and how carefully it’s guarded) to the support for the newly opened businesses, it is all accurate and endearing.

The setting: Her descriptions of Enchanted Canyon made me want to jump a plane and go find a place in Texas that was at least a little bit like what she was describing. (Kudos to the cover design for adding to that desire)

The literary allusions: The Last Chance Saloon is at the halfway mark on the road between the towns of Redemption and Ruin. C’mon, could it be any more Dante-ish? I loved the little references like this, as well as the naming of the Inn and other things (the Blessing cousins mentioned above). I appreciate the thought that went into the consistency of the names.

The overall story: It was natural and organic and everything made sense. The plot moved right along and didn’t waste time with superfluous events. Everything happened for a reason. I love when an author crafts a straightforward plot.

There was obviously a lot to like about this book. I, for one, cannot wait to dive into the previous books and get to know the McBrides better!

Jackson (Eternity Springs: The McBrides of Texas, #1)

Jackson by Emily March
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I hadn’t read any of the Eternity Springs series by this author, so all the characters were new to me, but that didn’t matter in the bigger scheme of things. There were times that it was apparent that there was backstory somewhere, but I never felt lost in the plot or like I was missing anything. I got caught up in the descriptions of Enchanted Canyon and its surrounding area. They were so vivid that I found myself wishing that I could go there on vacation. I love it when an author brings a region and its inhabitants to life like that. I liked Jackson’s description of his music as well (I could relate), and the romance part of the plot was charming. It was a soothing read, and I look forward to more from this author. Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and the author for a complimentary pre-release digital ARC of this book.

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Author Bio:

Emily March is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the heartwarming Eternity Springs series. A graduate of Texas A&M University, Emily is an avid fan of Aggie sports and her recipe for jalapeño relish has made her a tailgating legend.

Buy-Book Link:https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250314918

June 28, 2019June 28, 2019

Blog Tour w/ Review: In Alexa’s Shoes

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for this amazing book by Rochelle Alexandra.

Alexa’s story is harrowing, but then, anything involving the Nazis usually is. She and her mother are rounded up in Poland in September of 1940. What follows is an amazing journey through heartaches and hard times, triumphs and tribulations.

The story is told in a very straightforward manner, in a narrative style, so it is very easy to follow. I really don’t want to give away any plot points, because Alexa’s story is truly amazing.

From the moment the Nazis roll into Alexa’s hometown when she is 13, to her being sold into virtual slavery to a German couple connected to the Gestapo. From falling in love and marrying to telling her granddaughter her story decades later (not to mention the fantastic discovery at the end), this is ultimately story about human nature and choices that are made in dire situations – and whether or not human nature allows people to change over time.

Alexa’s journey is especially poignant when it comes to her post-war life. It is the perfect illustration of how sometimes the hardest lessons in life come in everyday decisions.

Although I think that this is a book that should be read at any time, as an American, I believe it is especially important now. When there are members of our Congress who have no idea of the horrors of the concentration camps and throw out frivolous analogies, it becomes imperative for a brutal history lesson.

I believe this book could be that history lesson for a great many people. And beyond being an amazing story, I think that is where its importance lies.

In Alexa’s Shoes by Rochelle Alexandra
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a fantastic story that could not come at a more critical time! The story of a Polish teenager rounded up by Nazis and given to slavery to a Gestapo family is brutal and heartrending. The author did an excellent job of capturing both the horrors of the Nazis and the aftermath of trying to put one’s life back together after the fact. For me, it seemed as if Alexa’s post-war experiences shaped her almost as much as her teen years under Gestapo/Nazi rule. And that becomes a vital lesson in human nature and the resilience of faith. Alexa’s story is a parable for the ages from which many people can learn. Please visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews for further thoughts on the importance of Alexa’s story. This review was written based on a complimentary pre-release digital ARC of the book.

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Purchase Links:
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Alexas-Shoes-Rochelle-Alexandra-
ebook/dp/B07SVR7H36/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=B07SVR7H36&qid=1560244696&s=gateway&sr=8-1
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Alexas-Shoes-Rochelle-Alexandra-
ebook/dp/B07SVR7H36/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=In+Alexa%27s+Shoes&qid=1560244667&s=gateway&
sr=8-1

June 27, 2019June 25, 2019

Blog Tour w/Review: Save the Date

I love a book that allows the reader to journey with the characters. And I love an author who takes the time to build the romance between the characters, instead of just jumping from one point to another in the characters’ relationship. Save the Date by Monica Murphy has both of these aspects, and that’s one reason I recommend this book.

I liked the “meet-cute-with-a-twist” set up worked very well. It did not come across as heavy-handed or manipulative. Caroline is genuine, and it shows in all of her interactions throughout the book. From hanging out with her friends to her dealings with Tiffany, I could see myself having the same thoughts as her. I do like when I can relate to a character that strongly.

As usual, I don’t want to reveal plot points here, so I can’t talk about a few events in detail. Suffice to say that I felt like one of the gals hanging out at brunch, and I loved the “Pretty Woman” vibe of the shopping spree scene. I also enjoyed the descriptions of another location, because my family and I recently visited there, and my son had some of the same reactions Caroline did to seeing places for the first time.

But it is the slow-building romance that kept me turning the pages of this book. As a reader of many romances, it is easy to get jaded and think “Oh, just get together already, would you?” Or know that the couple is destined to be together anyway (wouldn’t be romance otherwise, now, would it?)

That makes the journey to the HEA important. When an author can build it so that I get that same swoop in my stomach that the heroine gets when there is a first kiss or first touch? That’s romance magic, right there. And this book delivers on that, big time. Hearts and romance galore….

This is listed as the first in a series, and with the number of friends Caroline has, I will be happy to visit with them as they take their journeys. I do hope that we get to see more of Caroline and Alex’s story play out, if even in the background of the others.

Go get this one, guys, it’s a great summer read!

Save The Date by Monica Murphy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Right off the top, the author had me at “Carmel-by-the-Sea,” which is one of my favorite places on Earth. I loved the descriptions of the real locations she included in the story because I was able to picture them as they looked when I visited there. But beyond that, the whole book was enjoyable. I liked Caroline’s periodic awkwardness – it was enough to make her realistic without being cartoonish or over the top. I also liked how the plot built; nothing was given away too early, which allowed the reader to journey with the characters. For more thoughts, visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews. This review was written based on a complimentary pre-release digital ARC of the book.

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June 26, 2019June 26, 2019

Blog Tour: Total Surrender

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for Total Surrender, the new release from Erika Wilde. Make sure to check out my review of this quick and sexy read, and then go pick it up for yourself! (P.S. It’s free in KU!)

Not all fairy tales are sweet. Some fairy tales are dirty, sexy, and completely untamed.

Total Surrender, an all-new steamy standalone from New York Times bestselling author Erika Wilde is available now!

How far would you go to make the man that destroyed your family pay?

Maddux Wilder is a man consumed, a beast in a three-piece suit. Rich and powerful, he built his empire with one thought in mind: revenge.

After years of patience and planning, the wait is finally over. Tonight, Maddux will finally watch Theodore Cole’s kingdom crumble. At a lavish ball in the New York City castle the Wilder siblings call home, the man that killed their parents will atone for his sins.

If only he’d planned for her.

Arabella Cole is Theodore’s only child; his cherished and sheltered daughter. She’s an innocent, captivating beauty that would do anything to save her loving father, including sacrificing herself.

With her freedom gone, she must surrender to a man she hates. A man that makes her want things she shouldn’t. A man that awakens deep, forbidden desires.

But everyone knows that roses don’t bloom in darkness.

Enter Maddux Wilder, a man that doesn’t believe in fairy tales.

Can the beauty tame the beast or will revenge cost them both everything that matters most?

Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited! Amazon: https://amzn.to/2woUhKH Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/TotalSurrender

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/30LgZeb

Excerpt:

Arabella turned toward Maddux with tears glimmering in her beautiful blue eyes.

“Maddux . . . please . . .” she implored, so softly and so kindly even though he’d just announced his intentions to desecrate her dad. “Whatever my father has done to earn your wrath, you can’t do this to him. He’ll never survive. He’s sick . . .” She took a step closer to his desk, brave and resolute despite the flicker of trepidation he saw in her gaze. “Take me instead.”

Shock jarred through Maddux, but as a man who’d spent years perfecting a mask of control, neither his expression or body language betrayed that emotion. This woman was willing to give up her own freedom for her father’s, and it was definitely an interesting turn of events he never saw coming.

“Arabella, no,” her father uttered in horror.

Ignoring her father’s objections, Arabella held Maddux’s gaze steadily. “In exchange for you leaving my father alone, I will do whatever it takes, and whatever you demand, to work off his debt.”

Maddux stared at the beautiful woman offering herself up to him, so sweet and naive in contrast to the dark, ruthless man he’d become. While he originally wanted to crush Theodore, Maddux also realized that taking Arabella in exchange—his only daughter he adored—would be equally devastating to the other man. How could Theodore live with himself knowing Arabella belonged to his greatest enemy solely because of his own weakness?

“And how do you propose you work off your father’s debt, Bella?” he asked, curious to hear her answer, especially when his own mind was already listing all the different ways he’d enjoy having her at his beck and call.

Bare shoulders held back, she swallowed hard, but her gaze remained bold and determined on his. “I will do anything you ask of me. I’m . . . I’m not afraid.” God, the woman was fucking fearless, he thought, and he was drawn to that courage despite himself. Unlike her father, or even Gavin, she was unwavering in her loyalty.

“For Christ’s sake, Arabella,” Gavin shouted angrily, his face contorted with rage. “He’s not going to ask you to cook and clean and wash his laundry for him! He will ruin you for any other man.”

Arabella turned her gaze to Gavin, her expression cool with resolve. “Then so be it. It’s my choice to make.”

Gavin clenched his jaw and shifted his hot, angry gaze to Maddux. “She clearly doesn’t know what she’s saying.”

“I know exactly what I’m saying, and what I’m doing,” she snapped at Gavin as she came to stand in front of him, poking her finger at his chest. “Unlike you, I’m willing to stand up and put my father’s life and welfare before my own. I’ll do whatever it takes to relieve him of this burden.”

When Gavin said nothing else, Arabella whirled around to face Maddux again, the skirt of her voluminous ball gown swirling around her legs. “I promise, you’ll have no trouble from me. I will work off his debt, in any way you demand, in exchange for his freedom. Just . . . let him go. Please.”

Maddux could have denied her request and forged full steam ahead with the original plan, but everything about Arabella intrigued and tempted him. He wanted her, desired her . . . plus there was the added bonus of Theodore thinking the worst was happening while his only daughter was under his care. The things the man would conjure in his mind would rip any decent father apart inside.

Determined to keep the upper hand, Maddux strolled around his desk until he was standing in front of Arabella and she tipped her head back to meet his gaze, hers with bold resolve. She’d clearly meant what she said when she’d told him she wasn’t afraid, and her tenacity made his dick twitch with the thought of taming that fiery attitude in the bedroom.

Not giving a shit that both Theodore and Gavin watched, he reached out and brushed the backs of his fingers across Arabella’s smooth, silken cheek, immensely pleased to see a heated awareness flicker in her gaze, proof that persuading her into his bed wasn’t going to be all that difficult. She might hate him for what he held over her father, but she wasn’t immune to the attraction between them.

“I’ll accept your offer, Bella,” he murmured, taking her chin between his thumb and forefinger, wanting this beautiful creature to look into his eyes and know exactly what he expected of her. Wanted to make sure there was no mistaking what she was about to trade. “Your father’s freedom, for your total surrender. That is the deal.”

Meet Erika Wilde Erika Wilde is a New York Times Bestselling author. She is best known for her super sexy Marriage Diaries series and The Players Club series, and has also co-written the Dirty Sexy Series and the Book Boyfriend Series with Carly Phillips, her best friend and writing buddy for the past twenty years. She lives in Oregon with her husband and two daughters, and when she’s not writing you can find her exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest. For more information on her upcoming releases, please visit her website at www.erikawilde.com and sign up for her mailing list for updates and news!

Connect with Erika: Amazon: https://amzn.to/2OLvHe9 Twitter: https://twitter.com/erikawilde1 BookBub: http://bit.ly/2Ply3lh GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2MsZBqj Friend Erika on Facebook: http://bit.ly/2PkVyKZ Visit her author page: http://bit.ly/2vVITpY Join her reader group: http://bit.ly/2OLuIut Stay up to date with Erika by joining her mailing list:http://bit.ly/2OJIsWE https://www.erikawilde.com

June 20, 2019June 21, 2019

Book Review: Nine-The Tale of Kevin Clearwater

Yeah, I really don’t know know where to start with this one. It was truly unlike any romance I have read before. Anti-romance? I don’t know. But what I do know is that I loved it.

I was very unsure about it in the first few chapters. But as I read further, I understood why the set up needed to be the way it was and it made a huge difference in how I looked at Nine for the rest of the story.

(Here is where I add that this is the first of the series that I have read, so even though it is a standalone, I got the definite feeling throughout that there was backstory to be found. That being said, I’m glad that I hadn’t read any others, because the style and characters were all new, which added to my reading enjoyment).

Okay, back to the story. I thought it moved along at a rapid pace and I loved the interplay between all of the characters. There were a number of times where the notes in my Kindle were “HA!” “Funny” and variations thereof. And the backup singing “Boom Boom Pow” had me literally laughing out loud.

I liked the interplay between Nine and Lenny. I really enjoy when an author creates a palpable magnetism between the characters that can be felt through the pages.

I loved Bo. With everything going on around him, there’s no way he could be anyway but the way he was. My favorite was when he said that he was nine and listening wasn’t a strong point for kids his age. He gets it.

While we are on the subject of kids, the ending gutted me. I don’t want to give it away, but the mom’s speech in court was heart-wrenching. As someone who is adopted and knows that I was given up so that I would have an opportunity at a better life than my birth mother could give me….that speech touched me deeply.

My ONLY complaint is about the cover. It does not seem to be representative of Nine’s tattoos at all. When he unveils his main one, it has meaning to both him and Lenny. and it most certainly is NOT what is on the cover. That is disappointing.

Other than that, I enjoyed the book, and I know that I will enjoy reading the first eight books in the series.

Nine: The Tale of Kevin Clearwater (King, #9)

Nine: The Tale of Kevin Clearwater by T.M. Frazier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was one of the most interesting “romances” I have ever read. The hero is an anti-hero (he does lots of bad stuff), and the heroine is pretty much an anxiety-riddled alcoholic – but it all works to make one helluva story. In some ways, their flawed characters make them more real than the perfect pretty-boy billionaires and saucy ingenues that often populate romance novels. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that, it’s just a nice change every so often). I liked the plot, I liked the tension, both romantic and in general, and I really liked the twist that I didn’t see coming. For more thoughts on this “not-cute” romance, visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews. I’m now going looking for the other stories involving these characters! This review was written based on a complimentary pre-release digital ARC of the book.

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June 17, 2019June 17, 2019

Blog Tour: His Peace Her Pleasure

Title: His Peace Her Pleasure

Author: Keke Renee

BOOKS2READ

Genre: Steamy Contemporary Romance

GOODREADS

Peaches Ellinson is done with love and relationships. From now on, the Harvard-educated teacher wants to focus on building her dreams. She knows one day, with hard work and true grit, she’ll leave nude modeling behind and become the next great artist and revered gallery owner.

Santiago Garcia has no problems winning over hearts and minds … until he meets Peaches.

She’s unlike any woman he’s ever known, and that’s what makes him want her more.

The harder Peaches tries to resist, the more difficult it is to deny herself the pleasure and give in to her desires.

Will Santiago convince her to follow her heart or will she keep her head and her heart in the game?

June 14, 2019June 14, 2019

Book Review: On the Rocks

I was intrigued by the description of this book and was happy when I received an ARC. I did NOT expect it to be such a gut-wrenching look at love and loyalty.

I’ll be honest, the author kinda had me at “whiskey” anyway, but was still sucked in to the plot.

You know me, no plot recaps here. But the four Becker brothers and their mom are very interesting characters. The allusions to Jordan’s differences from the family and their father’s connection to the whiskey factory gave the story an air of mystery that I truly hope is explored in future books.

Both of these plot points were very subtle but were a nice addition to the romance, rounding out the story more thoroughly.

That being said, the story really belongs to Ruby Grace and Noah. I loved his strength and her grit, his grace and her loyalty. I thought the way their relationship built slowly was very effective and liked that there were nuances to it – there was emotion in addition to attraction.

And that is where the author was very successful. Ruby Grace’s actions and reactions were very true to form for a 19 year old Southern girl brought up to believe in doing what’s right for family.

Speaking of family, even though some may think that Ruby Grace’s family situation was beyond belief, I can attest that it was extremely indicative of small-town life. From everybody knowing everybody else’s business to the backroom dealings, it all happens.

I also enjoyed the references to various movies (whether they were intentional or not). I found Dirty Dancing, The Wedding Singer, and Runaway Bride, to name a few. Betty would love this book 😉 And by the way, she was a fantastic secondary character. I loved the role she played.

I’m new to this author’s books, but after reading this one, I am a huge new fan and can’t wait for Logan’s story. Color me excited to find a new author to explore!

On the Rocks by Kandi Steiner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I started reading this expecting a good romance, but what I actually got (in addition to that) was a surprisingly deep exploration of family expectations and dedication. I couldn’t put this book down, fell in love with the Becker brothers, and hope that the author continues to explore the history of Scooter Whiskey in future books, because I think there’s more to Patrick Scooter than meets the eye. Oh, and I had fun recognizing some movie references here and there. For more on that, visit my blog at Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews. This review was written based on a complimentary pre-release digital ARC.

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