Tag: second chance romance

new release, Review

✍🏻 Professor Romance’s Review: Jillian Liota’s The Echo of Regret, the final book of the Cedar Point series ✍🏻

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Overall Grade: B

Tropes: second chances; pro baseball MMC; artist FMC; small town romance; opposites attract

The Echo of Regret is the first book I’ve read from Jillian Liota. Something about the blurb attracted me to this story, even though it’s the final book of her Cedar Point series and I hadn’t read the earlier books of the series. With all of that, I was pleasantly surprised that I chose well with this story. Often when you read a story in a series, you feel as though you missed out on a bigger sense of the story. I never felt this way reading The Echo of Regret. Did it pique my curiosity for the other stories? Of course, but I also didn’t feel compelled to pick them up immediately to read them. 

Bishop and Gabi have different intensities throughout the book. At first, Bishop reads as almost indifferent to the reason for their break-up. It is underplayed in contrast to Gabi’s disdain for him. Even more, Liota ameliorates this pretty quickly which is one of my criticisms of this book. Bishop moves from indifference to intense interest in reconciling. At 61%, Bishop and Gabi are already moving towards reconciliation, and I thought they needed more discussion of the past before doing this (my second criticism). I’m certain Liota didn’t want her readers to wait too long for it, given Gabi tended to cycle through her feelings for Bishop quite a bit (almost repetitively – my third criticism). Still, Liota remedies it through Gabi and Bishop moving forward. Bishop recognizes that Gabi will never be more important than baseball, the mindset of a man four years older and wiser. 

Jillian Liota’s The Echo of Regret reminded me of Laura Pavlov, Devney Perry, and that ilk. It’s sweet and spicy small-town romance that uplifts after putting you through a juggernaut of emotions first. If this is your jam, you should grab this one!

In love and romance,

Professor A

Review

✍🏻 Professor Romance’s Review: Melanie Harlow’s Small Town Swoon, a Cherry Tree Harbor romance ✍🏻

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Overall Grade: A-/B+

Tropes: best friend’s brother MMC; hate to love; second chance romance; he spoils her; small town romance

Small Town Swoon is one swoon worthy romance. Melanie Harlow has created a small-town romance series in her Cherry Tree Harbor series that absolutely steals your heart. In fact, until this book, the first book in the series, Runaway Love, had been my favorite by quite a landslide. Now, Dash and Ari in Small Town Swoon have solidly inched up to right below my favorite in this series. To be clear, I’ve loved the love journeys of the Buckley siblings for various reasons; however, Dash’s intentional actions spoiling Ari, the young woman he’d scorned years earlier, makes this book special.

Dash and Ari’s story feels the lightest of the first four books in this series. Harlow has lightened up this series over her Cloverleigh series, but there is still a bit of angst. The underlying thread of trauma for the Cherry Tree Harbor series is the death of the Buckley’s mom when they are young. It informs their actions, so seriousness creates the tension of the story. However, Dash and Ari’s strife doesn’t match the earlier books of this series. As such, I inhaled Harlow’s Small Town Swoon because it vacillates between the initial reticence of Ari towards Dash, their explosive chemistry, their eventual spicy agreement, and their romantic acceptance of their feelings. Page after page, I was drawn further into exploring their romance. 

Add to all of this the continued relationships between the Buckley siblings. The humor, the wisdom, and the connection are grafted together to add depth to Harlow’s book. There is so much to love about this story, and I recommend a dive into it for your Monday reading.

In love and romance,

Professor A

new release

✍🏻 Melanie Harlow’s Small Town Swoon has moved quickly to be tied with the first book of the Cherry Tree Harbor series. The way that Dash and Ari fall HARD for each other is heavenly. This is the book you need for a Monday! ✍🏻

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From USA Today bestselling author Melanie Harlow comes a best friend’s brother, steamy small town romance.

Only in the movies does the Hollywood heartthrob fall for the small town diner waitress.

So when Dashiel Buckley returns to Cherry Tree Harbor for a wedding, I’m determined not to let my massive crush on my best friend’s older brother hijack my good sense.

(It happened once before. Do not recommend.)

But when my hand is injured, it’s Dash who steps in at the diner. The moment he realizes I can’t afford to fix my car, he takes care of it. And when he hears about the way my toxic ex treated me, he refuses to let it go.

Now it’s not just his blue eyes and sexy smile that have me swooning, it’s the way he wants to help me. Encourage me. Protect me.

I can’t resist.

Our text messages heat up. Our phone calls melt all my defenses. “Just friends” turns into “just once,” and “just once” becomes a distant memory. Night after night, he warms my bed, my body, and my heart.

But it can’t last.

Our dreams have us on two different paths–Dash wants the lights, camera, action of Hollywood, and I’ll always be a small town girl.

If only I could be his.

🍒 Friends with benefits

🍒 Best friend’s brother

🍒 He spoils her

🍒 Second chance romance

🍒 Protective hero

🍒 Secret crush

🍒 Small town girl x hollywood heartthrob

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗦𝘄𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆! 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗶𝗻 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱!

Amazon → https://harlow.pub/SmallTownSwoon-amazon
Amazon Worldwide → https://mybook.to/SmallTownSwoon
Paperback → https://harlow.pub/SmallTownSwoon-pb
Alt Male Paperback → https://harlow.pub/SmallTownSwoon-altmalepb

ABOUT MELANIE HARLOW

USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling author Melanie Harlow writes sweet, sexy, feel-good romance. She likes her martinis dry, her heels high, and her history with the naughty bits left in. If she’s not writing or reading, she’s probably at Orangetheory or watching Schitt’s Creek again. She lifts her glass to readers from her home near Detroit, MI, where she lives with her husband, two daughters, and pet rabbit.

Connect with Melanie

Website: www.melanieharlow.com

Amazon: https://harlow.pub/amazon

Bookbub: http://harlow.pub/bb

Goodreads: http://harlow.pub/goodreads

Facebook: http://harlow.pub/ap

Facebook Group: http://harlow.pub/harlots

Instagram: http://harlow.pub/insta

TikTok: https://harlow.pub/tiktok

Newsletter: http://harlow.pub/mh-news

new release, Review

✍🏻 Professor Romance’s Review: L.B. Dunbar’s Sterling Brick ✍🏻

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Overall Grade: B

Tropes/Characteristics: standalone in an interconnected series; high school sweethearts; single mom FMC; second chance romance; small town romance; cinnamon roll MMC

L.B. Dunbar’s second book in her Sterling Falls series, Sterling Brick, is Hallmark romance-worthy with a huge helping of steam. This is the Hallmark story you wished you could watch on your television. Dunbar has written an evolving, emotional story about high school sweethearts who reunite in their hometown of Sterling Falls. She’s a divorcee, single mom of two kids, and he’s a volunteer firefighter, brick-laying man with his eyes set on winning the woman he’s never gotten over. Dunbar creates a driving story filled with reticent attraction, eventual forgiveness, and fated lovers finding their forever. Sterling Brick is everything you love about romance: happily ever afters in the midst of the difficulties of real life. 

Dunbar puts her MMC, Knox, and her FMC, Halle, through their paces which allows for the healing necessary for their eventual future. However, it also causes the story to drag at times, creating repetitious dialogue and actions as Halle struggles to forgive Knox’s early adulthood choices and Knox struggles to forgive himself. Honestly, the first half of the book is working through this emotional entanglement, and I found myself drifting away from their story. Once, Knox and Halle forgive the choices of their past, the book moves forward at a better pace. I would have pushed them along faster to retain the readers’ focus.

Dunbar is a masterful storyteller, utilizing a variety of metaphors to encapsulate Knox and Halle’s struggles. I would, however, like to see her avoid being so “on the nose” with them, i.e. Knox’s nickname/call sign is “Brick,” and there is dialogue about Halle building her life “brick by brick.” Dunbar has more skill than choices like that. With that said, she has written some moving moments about personal growth and the journey forward. I appreciate how Dunbar has written Halle’s relationship with her children, Violet and Tim. Even more, she’s drawn Halle in such a way that she’s strengthened by her love for Knox. It allows her to slowly stand in her own power with Knox as a support, not the only support. 

Overall, I enjoyed Sterling Brick, and I love how this series of siblings is shaping up. Entwining their stories within the supportive, but complicated small-town world of Sterling Falls makes it easy to fall in love with these characters, and L.B. Dunbar’s voice continues to shine with her silver fox romances.

In love and romance,

Professor A

new release

✍🏻 Professor Romance’s Review: Dylan Allen’s The Wild Card, a Rivers Wilde novella ✍🏻

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Overall Grade: B

Tropes/Characteristics: novella; standalone in an interconnected series; opposites attract; close proximity; second chance romance

Dylan Allen does what she does best in her newest Rivers Wilde story, The Wild Card: create emotional, erotic, entertaining romance. Her voice is decidedly spicy, and her characters bear all in this story of second chances. She draws Cassie and Leo together in the most creative of ways: jewelry theft (although that isn’t the situation at all), and as Allen does so well, she crafts an emotional journey between soulmates. Do they have different backgrounds? Yes, but it’s the individual struggles of her characters that unite them. Allen draws you into her story as they work through those struggles and find happiness and completion in each other. Dylan Allen has a special way of building empathy between her characters, their story, and her readers. My only criticism of hers is a need for polish to the story and consistency within a particular character’s development.

However, Dylan Allen’s Rivers Wilde series is one of my favorites, and The Wild Card is another wonderful story to add to the mix. It returns us to a beloved place, and it allows us to fall back in love with this extraordinary fictional community, adding more interesting characters to the mix.

In love and romance,

Professor A

new release

✍🏻 Rivers Wilde is one of my favorite fictional places. And Dylan Allen has brought us back there again in her newest story of sizzle, second chances, and soulmates. Run and grab The Wild Card, out TODAY! ✍🏻

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In a game of second chances, will their messy past be a winning wild card or their downfall?

The Wild Card, a Rivers Wilde novella from Wall Street Journal bestselling author Dylan Allen is now live!

Wall Street Journal bestselling author Dylan Allen continues the Rivers Wilde series with a neighbors-to-lovers second-chance romance.

A billionaire with family secrets looking for a fresh start.
A reformed jewel thief.
And a choice that changes everything.

Leo has two priorities: putting down new roots and making up for his mistakes.

He doesn’t have time for a blind date with his new neighbor.

Until he finds out she’s the woman he let slip away…but never forgot.

Cassie has finally paid her debts and is living the life she’s always wanted.
Her new neighbor sounds like he could be Mr. Right.
Only, he turns out to be the man who promised her the world then disappeared without a trace.

In another time and another place, he was a playboy who made her believe in miracles.
Now, he’s a danger to everything she’s worked hard for.

He wants to pick up where they left off.
She wants to keep her distance.

But when they’re together, their chemistry is undeniable.
The heat between them burns hot and fast.
Until a secret whips up a fire that threatens to engulf them all.

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

Grab your copy today, exclusively on Amazon!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3YkDHrv
Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/thewildcardDA
Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/3rC09R8

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3OODIRx

Keep reading for a look inside The Wild Card!

I drop my phone into my pocket and grab my suitcase’s handle to turn around.

“Hey, watch—” I hear him too late and crash into the man trying to warn me with a thud that knocks the wind out of me and pushes me back onto my heels. I windmill my arms to try and correct my balance but cry out as it proves in vain and my body teeters backward. I brace myself for a fall.

Instead, an arm wraps around my waist and I find myself staring into the mirrored lenses of a dark pair of Ray-Bans.

Even with his eyes hidden and his face covered in sweat he’s easily one of the most handsome men I’ve ever seen in person. He’s got a mouth most women would envy and a nose that belongs in a museum. His pores are amazing. I need to find out what he uses on his skin.

“Are you alright?” he asks, still hovering over me, still holding me up as if I weighed nothing.

“Yes.” I cough to clear the husk from my voice. “I’m sorry I wasn’t watching where I was going.”

“I was,” he murmurs.

“You were…watching where I was going?”

“No. Where I was going. So, I saw you. Caught you.” The heat from his hand seeps through the thin fabric of my sundress.

I can’t see his eyes but I swear I can feel them on my face and I don’t like that I can’t see him.

And that’s my cue to end this little…whatever it is.

“Can you let me up?” I press my hands to his chest.

“Oh.” He starts as if he didn’t realize he was holding me.
“Yes, sorry.” He straightens and lets me go. But the heat from his touch doesn’t.

“Thanks for breaking my fall. I’m Cassie.” I give a lame wave.

He flashes an unfairly perfect grin. “Nice to meet you. How long are you here?”

“All week. I’m working at the resort. You?” I ask as he starts to jog in place and glances at his watch.

“Two weeks. At least. So…maybe I’ll see you around?”

“Sure. What’s your name?”

“They call me Wild Card.” He winks and runs off.

Oh shit. I’ve already fucked up. Well at least I know who to avoid.

“I glance over my shoulder and watch him run away, his back muscles a thing of art and perfection, and sigh. “What a waste.”

For More Information about Dylan Allen, visit her website:
https://www.dylanallenbooks.com/

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Cover Reveal

✍🏻 I’m excited for a new series from Devney Perry. Crossroads, book 1 of her new Haven River Ranch series, is coming June 4th ✍🏻

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NEW SERIES FROM DEVNEY PERRY!!!

Devney Perry has a new series coming in 2024. Check out the gorgeous cover of the first book of her forthcoming Haven River Ranch series, Crossroads.

Coming June 4th

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.

PREORDER

Review

✍🏻 Professor Romance’s Review: Adriana Locke’s Flame, a Carmichael Family series book ✍🏻

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Overall Grade: B

Tropes: second chances; bodyguard; forced proximity; marriage of convenience; band of brothers

I have loved Adriana Locke’s Carmichael Family series from its first book, Flirt. I was ready for Foxx Carmichael’s story because he’s been the most mysterious, very little of his story divulged throughout the series. With mysterious texts about an animal to his brothers in the first four books of the series plus the Carmichael matriarch insisting on a new couch, there were mysteries to be divulged in this final book of the series. So many expectations in a single book, and Locke meets them, but I’ll be honest, the answers to these enduring questions are answered, but they aren’t as impactful as I had anticipated. Even more, while Foxx Carmichael shines in this book, his second chance/marriage of convenience romance with Bianca, the object of his undying affection, was a bit underwhelming. The necessary tension found in the earlier books of this series was profound. In this one, it seemed like a machination to move through the book. I didn’t believe the reason Foxx denies a relationship with Bianca at first, even more so, when Foxx and Bianca must marry each other, essentially deflating their emotional struggle. Locke deftly adds tension through Bianca’s relationship with her father, but, for me, it wasn’t enough to resurrect the necessary tension and resolution of this story. 

Did I fall in love with Foxx Carmichael? Indeed.

Was Bianca the perfect FMC for Foxx? For sure.

There was something missing, though, from Flame, this final book in Adriana Locke’s Carmichael Family series. I believe it was the pacing as it felt rushed, and it lacked the emotional punch of the first books of the series. Adriana Locke will always be a must-read author for me. I was just hoping for a bit more for our silent but deadly Carmichael brother.

In love and romance,

Professor A

Cover Reveal

✍🏻 Happy Cover Reveal Day, L.B. Dunbar! What’s not to love about a silver fox cover! Check out Sterling Brick, coming January 25th! ✍🏻

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From L.B. Dunbar comes an all-new small-town romance with a big family and the silver fox swoon one expects from her love over-40 romances. STERLING BRICK will be released on January 25, 2024. We are thrilled to share the cover with you! 

PRE-ORDER HERE

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3Zz2BEx

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/46xbgd4

Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/3PYNtNJ

Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/48riTDo

Kindle Unlimited

Audible: coming soon

Add to your Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3t8VVkd

What to expect:

✔️reunited high school sweethearts

✔️former military man

✔️current fireman/bricklayer

✔️newly divorced single mom

✔️she-grump/sunshine

✔️all the spice

✔️small-town romance

BLURB: 

Love wasn’t part of the blueprint when high school sweethearts reunite in their small town. But this former military man never forgot the girl he left behind and he’s more determined than ever to rebuild their relationship brick by brick and heart by heart.

Getting locked in the men’s restroom during my mother’s funeral wasn’t exactly how I expected to run into my high school sweetheart. The one who got away. The one who broke my heart.

I could toss the busted doorknob in my hand at him, but I’d prefer to get the heck away. Because twenty years later, Knox Sylver isn’t a teenage boy anymore but a broad-shouldered, thick scruff man with eyes that still look at me like I’m the only person in the room.

As a newly divorced mother of two teenagers, it’s been a long time since anyone sees me. And Knox is definitely watching.

Unfortunately, he made choices in the past and I wasn’t one of them.

According to him, that is ancient history. 

Also, according to him, it’s never too late for a second chance. He’s out to prove he’s solid and stable, having returned to our small hometown, in a better place after a career in the military. He’s a local hero as a fireman and he wants to rekindle the flame between us.

I’m the one with decisions this round.

Do I stay where memories hurt? Or do I leave my past, and Knox, behind me again?

Golden Czermak/FuriousFotog, photographer; Joey Berry, model; Lori Jackson Designs, cover designer. 

Find more books by LB Dunbar here: https://www.lbdunbar.com

Blogger Sign Up: https://forms.gle/oR7vx5b1gw7CjrKD8

 ABOUT L.B. DUNBAR:

L.B. Dunbar loves sexy silver foxes, second chances, and small towns. If you enjoy older characters in your romance reads, including a hero with a little silver in his scruff and a heroine rediscovering her worth, then welcome to romance for those over 40. L.B. Dunbar’s signature works include women and men in their prime taking another turn at love and happily ever. She’s a USA TODAY Bestselling Author, as well as an Amazon Top 10 Later in Life Romance with her Lakeside Cottage and Road Trips & Romance series. L.B. lives in Chicago with her own sexy silver fox.

To get all the scoop about the self-proclaimed queen of silver fox romance, join her on Facebook at Loving L.B. or receive her monthly newsletter, Love Notes.

 AUTHOR LINKS

Facebook Page | Instagram | Amazon | Bookbub | Goodreads | Website | Tik Tok

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new release

✍🏻 Lauren Asher’s Love Redesigned is FINALLY here. ✍🏻

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The first book in a spin-off of the Dreamland Billionaires series.

Love Redesigned by Lauren Asher is now live! 

Julian

If I ever caught on fire, Dahlia Muñoz would fan the flames with a smile. 

So, when she returns to Lake Wisteria, I fully intend to avoid the interior designer. 

At least until my meddling mother exploits my savior complex.

The faster I help Dahlia find her creative spark, the sooner she will leave town. 

But while I was busy getting rid of Dahlia, I overlooked one potential issue. 

What happens if I want her to stay?

Dahlia

People say the devil has many faces, but I know only one.

Julian Lopez—my childhood rival and family frenemy. 

I vow to steer clear of him while recovering from my broken engagement, but then the billionaire makes an irresistible offer.  

Renovate a historic house together and triple our profits. 

Our temporary truce becomes compromised as we face years’ worth of denied attraction and mixed emotions. 

Giving into our desire is inevitable…but falling in love?

That isn’t part of the plan. 

  Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US: https://bit.ly/48SgOR0

UK Commonwealth: https://bit.ly/3tDZ5wD

Barnes & Noble Paperback: https://bit.ly/3KKMXip

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/3LlOPjA

Meet Lauren

Plagued with an overactive imagination, Lauren spends her free time reading and writing. Her dream is to travel to all the places she writes about. She enjoys writing about flawed yet relatable characters you can’t help loving. She likes sharing fast-paced stories with angst, steam, and the emotional spectrum.

Her extra-curricular activities include watching YouTube, binging old episodes of Parks and Rec, and searching Yelp for new restaurants before choosing her trusted favorite. She works best after her morning coffee and will never deny a nap.

Connect with Lauren 

Website: https://laurenasher.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19561164.Lauren_Asher

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Lauren-Asher/e/B08191LLQJ

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