Offside Secrets

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Synopsis (from Amazon):  She’s the boss. He’s the captain. Falling was easy, but hiding it? That’s the hard part.

Sutton: Owning the River City Renegades was supposed to be a dream—power suits, big wins, nothing but control. Instead, I’m juggling PR disasters, an opinionated board, and a very public reminder that I’m single.

The last thing I need is our team captain, Campbell Stockton, making my pulse skip like a puck on bad ice. He’s charming, infuriating, and completely off-limits. I built my empire on keeping business and pleasure in separate zones—so why does one look from him make me want to break every rule?

Campbell: Two things matter: my dad’s health and my shot at the NHL. Distractions are a luxury I can’t afford—especially not Sutton Mahoney, the gorgeous, untouchable woman who signs my paycheck.

Then, one late-night rescue in a dark parking lot turns into something I can’t ignore. She’s under pressure to be perfect. I’m fighting for my future. And suddenly, the one line we can’t cross is the only one we both want to.

Now we’re skating the edge of scandal, and one wrong move could take us both down.

But when it comes to Sutton, playing it safe was never in the game plan.

Offside Secrets is a closed door hockey romcom that includes tropes like workplace romance, forced proximity, forbidden relationship, and found family...sprinkled with a touch of holiday magic.This is the third book in a series, but can be read as a stand alone. Be warned: this one is filled with tons of tension, sizzling chemistry, and swoony kisses!

Content warning: This IS a lighthearted and fun romantic comedy, but there are subjects mentioned in this book like a parent with a chronic disease (RA).

One (or more) Sentence Summary:  Another great book by Anne Kemp! In Offside Secrets we get to know Sutton more.  I love a strong, confident, caring, boss lady as the main character.  And than there is Campbell, the hockey player who is learning the ropes of success as a professional while taking care of his dad who has chronic RA.  I absolutely loved the son being the care giver of  parent and think this is becoming more and more of a reality.  The understanding and support from players and the organization give me hope. There is a villain in Offside Secrets and Campbell and the team step in just when it is needed most. This added another layer to the novel.  I had to keep reading to find out what happened.  

The cast of characters from the other two books in the series are sprinkled in too, which I love it when characters re-appear.  It is not in a way that you missed something if you haven't read Faking the Face Off (book 1) and Goalie Interrupted (book 2), but if you have, it is fun to see them again.

Overall (not in an particular order): Great story, team, hockey, strong boss, amazing characters, family, romance with the a little steam, caring for a parent, friendships, a bad guy, holidays, and a quick read.  

Highly recommend grabbing your copy of Offside Secrets (book 2) today.  Make sure to grab Faking the Face Off (book 1) and Goalie Interrupted (book 2) in the River City Renegades series. 

Anne Kemp is a bestselling author of romantic comedies. She loves reading (and she does it ridiculously fast, too!), gluten-free baking (because everyone needs a hobby that makes them crazy), and finding time to binge-watch her favorite shows. She grew up in Maryland but made Los Angeles her home until she encountered her own real-life meet-cute at a friend's wedding where she ended up married to one of the groomsmen. For real.

Anne now lives on the Kapiti Coast in New Zealand, and even though she was married at Mt. Doom, no…she doesn’t have a Hobbit. However, she and her husband do have a terrier named George Clooney and when she’s not writing, she’s usually with them taking a long walk on the river by their home.

You can find Anne on her website - come say hi! She’d love to hear from you: www.annekemp.com

On Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest: @missannekemp

On TikTok: @annekempauthor

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Fa-La-La-La Land

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Synopsis (from Amazon):  She’s got a list to finish. He’s got a song to escape. Neither planned on falling in love this Christmas.

Stella Sparks has no time for love—not when her 30 Before 30 list is calling and her new job depends on reviving rockstar Rhys James’s image before he headlines Winter Lights Live.

The trouble? Rhys isn’t interested in playing America’s perfect popstar anymore, especially when his label insists he sing the cheesy Christmas hit he’s grown to hate. And Stella, who once had his poster taped to her teenage bedroom wall, is no longer swooning—she’s determined to keep things professional.

But when a snowstorm strands them in Stella’s hometown, Rhys discovers small-town magic, a chance to write his own story, and the one woman who sees him for who he really is. Too bad falling for him could cost Stella the career she’s fought for.

One (or more) Sentence Summary: This is my first Brittany Larsen book and it will not be my last.  I really enjoyed it.  Great story, quick read, fun characters, laugh out loud scenes with a 30 before 30 list!  Loved the Christmas, rockstar crush to romance, rooftop decorations, snow storm, and a Santa and town that real care about each other and make Christmas special for Stella every year.

Fa-La-La-La Land is book 3 of 3 in the Love in LA series.  Like me you do not have to read them in order.  Given this is my first read by Brittany Larsen, I will for sure be reading book 1 (Britta & The Beach Boy)and book 2 (Terms of Un-Endearment).  I also want to check out the Love in Paradise Valley (4 book series), Falling for Creekville (2 book series) and Creekville Kisses Too (2 book series).

Fa-La-La-La Land is the perfect book for this time of year.  It will get you in the Christimas spirit and a great escape for how crazy life can get this time of year.  

Brittany Larsen is an Idaho girl who's spent the last twenty plus years in California raising daughters, reading just about anything, and writing--not necessarily in that order. Hot yoga is her happy/uncomfortable place. She loves a good romance, whether it's set in modern-day, nineteenth century England, or the Old West, as long as it's got a feisty heroine and makes her laugh and/or sigh.

Follow Brittany on insta: https://www.instagram.com/brittanylarsen.books/

Check out her website: https://www.brittanylarsenbooks.com/

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The Last Love Song

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Synopsis (from Amazon):  Sweeping from the rural coast of Ireland to the glamour of 1960s London, Losing You is a spellbinding story of love and loss from the internationally bestselling author of The Seven Sisters series, Lucinda Riley. Discover this reimagined novel from an author loved by millions of readers worldwide.

She knew she’d love him for the rest of her life. Whatever the cost . . .

All Sorcha O’Donovan knows is life in her small windswept village on the rugged West Cork coastline. When she falls head over heels for handsome local musician Con Daly and he asks her to run away with him, Sorcha knows she has to follow her heart.

Penniless in London, the young lovers soon realize you can’t live on dreams alone. But then Con finally gets his big break, and their lives change beyond all recognition. Suddenly the future looks bright.

But as fame and fortune begins to take its toll, Con and Sorcha must try to hold on to who they truly are, or risk losing what matters most . . .

Long before she became the bestselling author of The Seven Sisters series, Lucinda Riley wrote Losing You as Lucinda Edmonds. This lost treasure has now been reworked and given new life by Harry Whittaker, Lucinda’s son and co-author of Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt.

One (or more) Sentence Summary: What an amazing story. I loved it from page 1. The Last Love Song takes us back to the 1960's and 1980's with so many twists and turns. It is a great rock-n-roll story that includes rags to rich, unknown musician to fame, on top of the world to prison, must read one more chapter type of book.....it is just so good. 

The Last Love Song = The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto (Mitch Album) + Daisy Jones and The Six (Taylor Jenkins Reid).

I loved the Seven Sisters Series and did not realize the Lucida's son finished the series.  I love that he took his mother's novel and modified it to bring us The Last Love Song. 

I read this book in 3 days and I am not a fast reader. I just couldn't put it down. Stayed up too late reading and don't regret it!

Amazing story - it is just so good!

Lucinda Riley was born in Ireland and, after an early career as an actress in film, theatre and television, wrote her first novel aged twenty-four. Her books have been translated into thirty-seven languages and The Seven Sisters series specifically has become a global phenomenon, creating its own genre. 

In 2020, Lucinda received the Dutch Platinum Award for sales of over 300,000 copies for a single novel in one year – an award last won by J. K. Rowling for Harry Potter. In collaboration with her son Harry Whittaker, she also devised and wrote the Guardian Angels series of books for children.

Though she brought up her four children mostly in Norfolk, England, she fulfilled her dream in 2015 of buying a remote farmhouse in West Cork, Ireland, which she always felt was her spiritual home, and this was where her last five books were written.

Lucinda was diagnosed with cancer in 2017 and died on 11 June 2021, surrounded by her family.

Harry Whittaker grew up in the 1990s and spent the first few years of his life on the rural west coast of Ireland. The son of the author Lucinda Riley, Harry became a storyteller himself, as an award-winning radio presenter for the BBC and a member of one of the UK’s most renowned improv troupes. In 2019, Harry and Lucinda co-authored the Guardian Angels series for children – four reassuring, timeless stories addressing worries that a small child may have.

After Lucinda’s death in 2021, it was announced that Harry would complete the Seven Sisters series on behalf of his late mother. Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt publishes globally in May 2023.

Harry lives in Yorkshire, England.

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Blind Trust

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Synopsis (from Amazon):  In Blind Trust, the third installment in Eckles’s series featuring financier and complex heroine Celeste Donovan, Celeste is mourning the death of loved ones while trying to conjure newlywed bliss. As one of the richest self-made women in the world, she appears to have it all—a penthouse apartment, meteoric business success, and a supermodel’s physique with a mathematician’s mind. Beneath the surface, however, she is haunted by how much she has lost.

Now that Celeste has the opportunity to move on from the turmoil of the past few years, she is committed to eliminating any threats to her new life. But the past comes knocking. Entangled with a global crime syndicate that will stop at nothing for revenge, she cannot turn a blind eye to the destruction it has caused. Though she gives the appearance that she has joined her close friends in an alliance with rogue federal agents, she continues to partner with ruthless characters who move through the shadows.

With secrets surfacing and enemies closer than ever, Celeste must navigate betrayal from unexpected sources. The deeper she digs, the more she realizes no one is safe—and nothing is what it seems.

One (or more) Sentence Summary: Oh boy......so much is revealed in this book that I need to be really careful not to give everything away.  Lots of crazy things come out that I didn't expect or ever see coming. 

I love all the characters, suspense, adrenaline, steamy, twist and turns scenes from page 1. A lot of open things from book 1 and 2 come to light, but there are things that leave us hanging too. The epilogue is in Teddy's voice and leaves things wide open for many possibilities (fingers crossed).

This is book 3 of a series and I do recommend reading the series in order.  There is enough background in book 2 and 3 to connect the dots, but there is just so much (in a great way) in this series, I wouldn't want to miss out on anything. 

I absolutely love the first book in the series and was hoping for more.  So happy I got my wish.  Will there a book 4 or a new series with focus on Teddy? I sure hope so!

See my reviews for Trading Secrets and Risky Assets.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND ALL 3 BOOKS IN THE CELESTE DONOVAN SERIES

An Indiana native, Rachael Eckles moved to New York City after law school. There she worked in the finance industry, her inspiration for the elusive Celeste Donovan world. She currently lives in Manhattan, where she is working on her next novel. Rachael donates a portion of her proceeds to local and global programs that empower women and girls through her foundation, Aphrodite Gives.

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Courage and a Castle: A Tribute to a Remarkable Woman

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Synopsis (from Amazon):  Courage and a Castle offers a unique and compassionate look at the human condition. The book opens with a poignant story about the author’s mother, Mary, near the end of her life and then reaches back to where Mary's memory no longer can. The book explores Mary's strength of character and strong work ethic that served as cornerstones for her future.

Early in her marriage to the love of her life, Mary became the sole breadwinner for their family of eight. Through family tragedies and life-threatening conditions, she met life's challenges with abiding faith, resilience, and kindness. Despite being severely affected by a brain bleed and later Alzheimer's, Mary adapted, and her spirit, faith, and unconditional love remained constant.

A heartwarming, inspirational, and, at times, humorous account of a life well lived, a life that inspired and touched many.

One (or more) Sentence Summary: I really love that Courage and a Castle was a tribute to the author's mother. It is very clear just how strong and amazing Mary was during her life.  She was faced with manage challenges and her love for her family and belief in her faith she was resilient.  It was clear how much Wanita (author) loved her mother and family.  

The book is made up of short stories that reflect on Mary and those close to her and is an easy and fast read.  Every story is packed with meaning.

I have always wanted to write a book as tribute to my mother.  She passed away way too early and I have always wanted others to know just how amazing she was.  I am extremely jealous that Wanita was able to do so for her mother.  Amazing job and I am sure Mary is looking down with such pride.

Encourage others to read Courage and a Castle: A Tribute to a Remarkable Woman!

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Someone to Hold

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What it is About:  She’s the one woman I can’t let myself want.

Molly McAllister is my best friend’s widow, a single mom trying to keep her flower farm alive, and the last person in this small town who should look twice at me.

I ride bulls for a living. My body’s a battered mess with my heart in even worse shape. I’m carrying enough scars—inside and out—to know I don’t deserve someone like her.

But when she ends up laid up with a broken ankle, I’m the one who shows up to help. I’m supposed to be the guy she hates. Hell, I’ve given her plenty of reasons. Instead, I’m the one carrying her up the damn stairs and flipping pancakes for her twins like I belong in her kitchen. In her life. Her bed.

She thinks I’ve come to take her land. The truth? Every time I look at her, I’m in danger of handing her my heart.

She’s sunshine and second chances. I’m storm clouds and bad decisions.

We’re supposed to be enemies. But the longer I’m in her world, the harder I fall. Fast, deep, and way past the point of no return. If I’m not careful, I could lose more than my heart…I might lose her, too.

If you love enemies-to-lovers, second chances, he falls first cowboy heroes and so much found family goodness, this is your next read. Book 4 of The Skylark Series can be read as a standalone and has a guaranteed HEA.

One (or more) Sentence Summary:  Another amazing book in The Skylark Series.  We are introduced to Molly and Chase in Someone to Hold.  This is a true enemies to friend romance and includes the wonderful friends from the book club I want to be part of! 

Molly hates Chase due to the comments he made about her in the past.  He made it very clear on her wedding day that he disliked her to her late husband (Chase's best friend), Teddy. Molly injures her ankle and Teddy's mother is going on a long trip "hires" Chase to look after Molly and her twins. Molly is in need of help with the twins and her business (flower farmer).  It is also her turn at the bucket list challenge.  

Her challenge.....say no to moving with her mother-in-law to New Mexico and purchase the family farm.  She wants to stay in Skylark, raise her kids and make her flower business a success.  The challenge did not include falling head over heels for Chase.  

Chase is running from his past as well.  Coming from a family with an abusive father he joined the bull riding circuit and hasn't been home much.  After a career ending injury he is back and wants to settle down in Skylark and run a bull ranch.  One way to get that ranch is to purchase his best friend's family farm. He never had plans on falling for his last best friend's widow and twins.  

Love how Molly and Chase work through their past to come together as one.  

Another must read from Michelle Major!!

See my review for Someone to Have,  Someone to Love and Someone to Tempt

USA Today and Top 5 Amazon Bestselling author Michelle Major writes swoon-worthy stories full of heart, heat, and guaranteed happily-ever-afters. When she’s not dreaming up romance, you’ll find her hiking the trails (or avoiding housework) in her home state of Colorado.

Connect with her at her website or come say hi on Instagram (@michellemajorauthor) and Facebook (@MichelleMajorBooks).

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Uncharmed

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What's it About:  Andromeda "Annie" Wildwood is the perfect witch: she’s sugar, spice, and everything nice. Each element of her life is curated and polished—with some assistance from a carefully created magic potion, of course. She spends her days serving up delicious pastries in her charming bakery, and her best friends are the most popular witches in London.

 

Naturally, Annie’s coven believes she’s the perfect choice to mentor a young teenage witch named Maeve, who has been orphaned and cannot get a handle on her blossoming powers.

 

Maeve is headstrong and stubborn, and she’s different from Annie in every way. When the pair are confined to a crumbling, secluded cabin in the woods—a place where Annie can safely teach Maeve to harness her magic—they form a fast friendship. And when the owner of the cabin shows up unexpectedly—a brooding, handsome warlock—the trio becomes inseparable.

 

Annie may have just found her perfectly imperfect family in her new home-away-from-home. But what happens when the coven declares Maeve ready to be an adult witch, and Annie must return to her real life?

UNCHARMED is a sweet and charming escapist novel that will delight readers of T.J. Klune’s The House on the Cerulean Sea and Sangu Mandanna’s The Secret Society of Irregular Witches. Filled with some fan-favorite romance tropes (grumpy-meets-sunshine, forced proximity, there’s-only-one-bed), and themes of self-acceptance and found family, Wood’s latest

One (or more) Sentence Summary: Cute story (especially in the fall) that transported to a world where witches and magic spells.  However, their world is very much like every other world.  Self-doubt, unnecessary family shame, both true and fake friendships, and selfish and unselfish individuals.  Uncharmed takes us on Annie's journey of self discovery.  Along the way she realizes how good of person she is and there is nothing wrong with her individually. She has so much love to give and truly cares about people in her life.  Proving to others who she is and what she is capable of is part of the journey.  Of course falling in love along the way helps too!  

I enjoyed seeing Maeve, the orphan Annie has been put in charge of evolve into a lovely person and develops her true magic along the way.  Let's not forget to mention Hal, the cowboy who prefers to be alone, that is until he meets Annie.  Loved all his magical animals too! 

I have not read Lucy's first book Rewitched, but have added to my read list.  Perfect book for fall or any time of year.

Lucy Jane Wood is a widely loved online content creator who has over 200K YouTube subscribers and 85K Instagram followers. Her delightful videos cover topics from fashion and lifestyle to home renovation, cooking, and of course, books.

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If It Makes You Happy

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What It's About:  IF IT MAKES YOU HAPPY can be described as Gilmore Girls meets thePumpkin Spice Café – but a lot steamier! Set in small-town Copper Run, Vermont, in autumn 1997, Olivia’s first traditionally published novel offers readers a love story that feels like the first sip of a warm, delicious latte on a cold day. It’s a grumpy-meets-sunshine, fish-out-of-water tale of two small-town business owners and next-door neighbors who fall head-over-heels for each other, set in a simpler time before smart phones and internet dating.

Copper Run, Vermont, 1997: The leaves are changing colors. School is back in session. The locals are decorating for Halloween. The most inviting scents are wafting from the bakery. And a taxicab delivers an out-of-towner and her dog to the local inn.

 

When big-city advertising executive and recent divorcee’ Michelle arrives at the bed-and-breakfast that was her mother’s retirement project, she can hardly appreciate the glories of a New England fall. Michelle is grieving her failed marriage and the unexpected loss of her mom. With her life crumbling around her, Michelle suffers one more blow when she agrees to take a leave of absence from her job at the ad agency in Seattle to handle things at her mother’s small-town inn in Vermont. 

 

Michelle doesn’t know the first thing about running an inn. So, when her very helpful, very attractive, single dad of a next-door neighbor offers to give her some hospitality lessons, Michelle agrees. It’s not long before this stubborn city-dweller finds herself falling for small-town living… and for her hot neighbor.

One (or more) Sentence Summary:  I would love life in Copper Run. I don't think I could run an inn, but everything else about the town and the people in If It Makes You Happy, made it a town I would love to be part of. I really liked Michelle and her journey. How hard is it to go from married life in Seattle as well as a successful executive in advertising to losing your mother and moving across country to temporarily run her inn while your sister finishes school. 

There is also Cliff, the single dad neighbor who is also owns the local bakery. His two daughters, Emily and Brittney, draw you in as well.  They are at such different stages in their lives and Cliff does an amazing job with both of them.  Of course Michelle fits right in too.  

I also loved that it was set back in 1997. I don't tend to read a lot books set in the 90's (not sure if it is not a popular timeframe or I just don't stumble upon them) and really enjoyed it.  I was a young adult and coming into my career during that time frame and could relate to Michelle. 

Very enjoyable book and I will be on the look for more books written by Julie Olivia!

Julie Olivia writes cozy love stories filled with humor, spice, and close friend groups that feel like a warm hug. She is a roller coaster fan, avid romance reader, and rainy day enthusiast.

Julie lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and their very opinionated pets.

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