TOP SHELF STUD by Kate Meader is NOW LIVE

Blurb:

The snail doc wants a baby. I volunteered to do the deed. But it isn’t long before I realize a “donation” will never be enough. I want to be a dad, but most of all, I want her.

Franky

When confronted with the cold, hard facts of her diminishing chances to be a mom, what’s a woman of science to do?

Make a spreadsheet of eligible donors, of course.

Finding a man for life is not in the cards, but one for this singular purpose? I can do that. As the daughter of a Chicago Rebels legend and an expert in the field of gastropods—more commonly known as snails and slugs—I have plenty of choices in the worlds of both hockey and academia. The selection process should be easy, especially as my methodology has already eliminated several options, including Jason Isner, childhood nemesis and recently acquired defenseman for the Rebels. I’ve always considered him arrogant, cruel, and to be honest, not the brightest bulb.

I’m rarely wrong. But I might have been mistaken about Jason . . .

Jason

I surprised even myself when I offered to be Franky St. James’s baby daddy, but fatherhood has been a dream of mine forever. If I can achieve my goal without the hassle of a relationship, even better. I won’t be one of those “pump and dump” donors, though. I want the whole package: nighttime feedings, shopping for cute onesies, teaching my kid to skate. I’m in it for life, and as Franky and I travel this road together, I start to imagine what that life might look like. Not just a baby, but a family of my own.

The thing is, the doc has all sorts of hypotheses about jocks and relationships, and it’s going to take a lot of persuasion—sexy and otherwise—to prove her wrong. She might think the mating rituals of her beloved snails are the only “coupling” worth studying, but I’m determined to show her that when it comes to seeking a mate, this player is as driven as any species in the animal kingdom.

Because making a baby is just the beginning . . .

Buy Link:

https://geni.us/top-shelf-stud

Sunny Shelly’s Review: 5 Stars

I adored this enemies-t0-lovers/baby pact story! Kate Meader is not an author I am very familiar with, so I was blown away by how well-done Jason and Franky’s romance was!

Jason and Franky are both next-gen characters from another Kate Meader series; like I said, I was not previously familiar with this author’s body of work, but I had zero issues trying to connect the dots when it came to their tangled history. They aren’t exactly childhood friends, but they have been a part of each other’s lives since they were teenagers because their families are connected — so these two have a long history of despising one another. Then, when they come to realize that both of their biological clocks are ticking and they agree to a mutual baby pact, Jason and Franky soon find that they are exactly what has been missing out of each other’s lives.

KM did a great job of making both these characters vulnerable and insecure. I expected “Snail Girl” Franky to have some issues, because she’s a bit of a geek, right? But I was not expecting Jason, a pro hockey player, to have as many hangups as he did. He was already a great golden retriever character, but getting to know him on a deeper level as his insecurities came to the surface made me fall for the guy even more.

On top of that, the dialogue between the characters was top-notch, and their family circle was fullof lovely and supportive secondary characters. Top Shelf Stud was absolutely charming, and I was so happy to see these two develop a genuine friendship throughout her pregnancy. And then FINALLY get on the same page by the end!

I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.

Meet Kate Meader:

Originally from Ireland, USA Today bestselling author Kate Meader cut her romance reader teeth on Maeve Binchy and Jilly Cooper novels, with some Harlequins thrown in for variety. Give her tales about brooding mill owners, oversexed equestrians, and men who can rock an apron, a fire hose, or a hockey stick, and she’s there. Now based in Chicago, she writes sexy contemporary romance with big-hearted guys and strong heroines – and heroes – who can match their men quip for quip..

Connect with Kate Meader:

https://www.katemeader.com/links

Caleb Kelly has been my secret weakness since the day I moved to Sugar Brush, Wyoming.

I spend my days among the stacks as the town’s librarian and my nights serving drinks at Joy’s Elbow Room. It’s safe, predictable, and a little boring. The only thing that makes my pulse kick is when Caleb Kelly walks through the door and takes a seat at one of my tables.

Four years of stolen glances, watching him laugh with his family, listening to him talk about his son, and pretending he doesn’t unravel me just by saying my name. Alice.

Then one reckless night, I steal a kiss. And for one perfect, heart-stopping second, he kisses me back.

But the thing is, Caleb doesn’t date. He has his son, his ranch, and no room for anything—or anyone—else.

So I finally stop waiting, stop hoping, stop hiding. It’s way past time to begin living my life on my own terms.

Just as I start to move forward, trouble knocks me back. And when I need someone the most, Caleb is the one by my side again and again, standing between me and the worst of it. His steady, fierce presence is impossible to ignore.

I should know better than to keep falling for a man who told me he can’t give me more. I should walk away before I get hurt again.

It’s just that every time he shows up, every time he really sees me, every time he stays, my heart refuses to listen.

But letting him in might be the one thing I can’t come back from.

Narrated by: Emma Wilder & Sean Masters

Listen today!

Audible: https://bit.ly/4qPaEtM

Amazon: https://bit.ly/3Z9ai4W

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3NJF0PE

Sunny Shelly’s Review: 4 Stars

Oh my goodness, this story was absolutely charming. Julia Wolf isn’t an author I’m very familiar with, but I absolutely adored Alice and Caleb’s slow-burn romance.

Alice is the local librarian, with a side gig at the town diner, and Caleb is the eldest brother of the Kelly family, dedicated to his teenage son and the family ranch. She’s had a crush on Caleb for a few years, while he has been oblivious to her pining. Alice finally gets the courage to make a move (thinking her feelings would be reciprocated), only for Caleb to turn her down. So of course, after she’s attempted to move on is when he realizes he’s interested in her.

Their relationship is a slow-burning, friends-to-lovers, and I loved the progression of their romance. I loved how Alice stood up to Caleb, and more or less put him in his place as he tried to make amends. Both of these characters have overcome some difficulties (she’s got a bit of a complicated family background, and he has sworn off relationships), and I thought they complemented one another well, once they finally got on the same page. I also thought the author did a lovely job of weaving in Alice’s relationship with Caleb’s son, Jesse, and how the two of them developed a friendship of their own.

Even though Hit The Ground has a touch of suspense (Alice finds herself in a bit of trouble), it’s a relatively low-angst story that still managed to hit check off all the emotional boxes for me. Narrators Emma Wilder and Sean Masters were a joy to listen to.

I received a complimentary copy and voluntarily left a review.

THE HOTSHOT by Piper Rayne is NOW LIVE

Raising my cousin’s three kids wasn’t in my five-year plan.
Actually, it wasn’t in any plan.

One minute I’m a single labor and delivery nurse living a quiet life and the next, I’m navigating guardianship hearings, meltdowns, and homework I’m pretty sure requires a math degree.

Enter Hayes Carlisle.

My best friend’s older brother.
Chicago Colts newest catcher.
And the man I once kissed and immediately pretended I didn’t.

So, when the custody battle I’ve been dreading becomes a reality, I shouldn’t be surprised that Hayes swoops in with a wild idea—a fake relationship. According to him, pretending we’re together will polish his image and prove to the court I’m not taking on an instant family alone.

But pretending to be Hayes’ girlfriend is a terrible idea.

Because he remembers how to make me laugh.
Because he looks at me like our kiss wasn’t a one-time mistake.
Because the kids start asking him to read bedtime stories.
Because my heart starts wanting things my life doesn’t have room for.

I can manage the chaos. I can fight for these kids.
But pretending not to fall for Hayes Carlisle?

That might be the one thing I can’t do.

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

https://books2read.com/thshot

Duet Narration by: JF Harding & CJ Bloom

Also Featuring: Teddy Hamilton, Sean Masters, Connor Crais, Erin Mallon, Willa Jaymes, Meg Sylvan & Austin Stone

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/41QEV0V

Sunny Shelly’s Review: 5 Stars

Piper Rayne kicks off their new The Dugout series with The Hotshot, and Hayes and Leighton’s story was a fun, best friend’s brother/secret crush/slow burn story with a healthy dose of pining, mutual crushing and family drama mixed in.

When Leighton’s cousin and husband are tragically killed in an accident, she is named the guardian of their three young children. But when the guardianship is called into question by other family members, Leighton is facing a custody battle… and Hayes steps up to be her fake boyfriend to help her keep the kids. Their “pretending” to date soon turns into a real relationship, which is not at all a hardship for either of these characters, who have secretly been pining for one another since they shared a kiss years ago.

I really loved how the history between Leighton and Hayes, as well as her friendship with his sister Callie, was brought into play as they entered a relationship. He connected so easily with all three kids, and really became an integral part of their lives. Hayes is also struggling with his career, trying to rebuild his reputation after a tumultuous previous season, so the book covers his struggles there as well.

I read this book in tandem with listening to the audio, and JF Harding and CJ Bloom did a wonderful job.

Piper Rayne always does a great job of creating friend groups, and I loved the banter between Hayes and his teammates Easton (Bailey!) and Decker. I am really looking forward to the rest of this series!

I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.

When Callan Hunt arrived at Ryemont High senior year, I couldn’t have predicted the hot Irish football player would become my everything … and end up breaking my heart.

College and dreams of a career in interior design were my sole focus until my new neighbor bulldozed his way into my life.

Callan had ambitions too. He planned to leave Vermont after graduation to pursue his dream of playing for an English Premier League club.

We weren’t looking for love, but fate had other plans.

When Callan was scouted during our freshman year of college, I couldn’t have been prouder.

Until everything came crashing down in one crippling blow.

I was devastated, and it took years to recover.

After finally moving on from the heartache of my past, I now have a successful career and a billionaire CEO fiancé.

Then my first love reappears.

Callan says it’s time I learned the truth about that night.

He claims he’s never stopped loving me and vows to fight for me in a way he couldn’t before.

He seems determined to keep every promise he ever made me, but how is it possible after everything that’s happened?

𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐳𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝: 

eBook: https://bit.ly/NSLYEBA

Amazon model paperback: https://bit.ly/NSLYMPBU

Amazon alternate paperback: https://bit.ly/NSLYAPBU

Sunny Shelly’s Review: 5 Stars

I know I can count on Siobhan Davis to deliver an angsty, emotional romance, and Never Stopped Loving You delivered exactly what I was hoping for!

This story is told in two parts: Part 1 is when Astrid and Callan meet and begin “fake dating” when he moves to town in high school, and it carries into their college years as their fake relationship becomes something so very real and sacred for the two of them. But then, just as Callan gets his big break to become a professional football player, they are torn apart in a gut-wrenching way. After an eight-year time jump, the book picks up with Part 2 when Astrid returns to her hometown, engaged to someone else, and comes face-to-face with the guy who demolished her heart. And with nothing left to lose, Callan comes clean about what happened all those years ago.

Callan and Astrid’s second-chance romance was full of emotion as these two had to overcome past secrets, lies, and heartbreak. This story has some rather dark themes, so it is not an easy road for Callan and Astrid to reunite. As what happened in the past unfolded, my heart broke for both of these characters.

Never Stopped Loving You is the kind of book that sticks with you long after you are done reading it!

I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.

A TAINTED PROPOSAL by Maxine Henri is NOW LIVE

Blurb:

He’s younger. Richer. Hot AF. And about to learn how to beg.

When Xander Stone proposed to marry me and save my business, I wanted to refuse. I should have.

He’s younger.

Filthy rich.

Entitled.

Trouble in every single way… but desperation won and I took his deal.

It’s supposed to be a fake marriage. A business transaction.

The challenge is the raw attraction, the burning heat, the all-consuming pull.

The man is good. Too good. He makes me feel like I matter. He teaches me to respect myself—but his love language is manipulation.

And the biggest problem with our deal is that Xander Stone never intended to keep it.

Instead, right from the start, he intended to keep me… even if I’m the one who tries to walk away.

A Tainted Proposal is a standalone book in the Merged series with a guaranteed, though hard-earned HEA.

Pre-Order Link:

mybook.to/hotAFxander

Available in KU

Sunny Shelly’s Review: 4 Stars

OOH, A Tainted Proposal was good.

I love a playboy who falls head over heels, and Xander was all that when it came to Cora. The fact that she barely gave him the time of day just fueled him more to want to get to know her. Her life is kind of a mess with her family business struggling, so Xander sees being her knight in shining armor as his way in with her. But what is supposed to just be a marriage of convenience on paper turns into so much more for these two characters.

Cora has not had an easy go of things, but I really loved her resilience. And there was more to billionaire playboy Xander than meets the eye; he turned out to be quite the charmer and so devoted to Cora. This story was as swoony as it was spicy, and getting to the real romance between them was a delicious slow burn.

I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.

Meet Maxine Henri:

Maxine Henri is a contemporary romance author who infuses her stories with steamy passion and complex characters. When she’s not crafting stories that will have you swooning, she can usually be found sipping on a cup of black tea while reading a good book or traveling to new destinations.

Maxine believes that stories matter. They facilitate emotional journeys, inspire and entertain. And when it comes to books and fiction, stories are a great escape and probably the most beneficial addiction on this planet.

Her billionaire romances are the perfect escape, offering a taste of luxury and adventure. Maxine introduces heroes who may have a dark past, but are always balanced by a lighter side. And her leading ladies? They’re strong, independent women who may be a little broken, but always find their way to love.

Connect with Maxine Henri:
http://maxinehenri.com 

From New York Times bestselling author Meghan Quinn comes a sizzling sports romance full of flamingo feathers, slow-burn heat, and one grump-meets-sunshine love story that’s anything but fake.

They’re faking it for the cameras. But what if the sparks are real?

Graydon St. John doesn’t do drama―or public appearances. The brooding defensive end for the San Francisco Foghorns prefers silence, solitude, and avoiding headlines. But when a league-wide PR scandal forces him into a media stunt at the city zoo, he’s suddenly face-to-face with squawking birds, nosy fans, and the zookeeper who seems to hate his guts on sight.

Maple Baker loves her flamingos. Loud, pink, messy? Sure. But they’re hers. And the last thing she needs is a grumpy football player stomping into her sanctuary with a bad attitude and a bigger ego. Unfortunately, they’ve been paired for the zoo’s new public outreach program, and the cameras are already rolling.

The banter is sharp. The tension is electric. And the more they pretend to play nice for the press, the more their fake flirtation starts to feel like something dangerously real.

But when family secrets, viral fame, and a PR romance gone off-script threaten everything Maple’s worked for, Graydon must decide if he’s willing to fight for love―or let it slip away to protect her.

Just for the Cameras is available now in paperback, KU, and audio. Get your copy now: https://mybook.to/JustForTheCameras

Sunny Shelly’s Review: 5 Stars

Just For The Cameras was a hilarious first installment in Meghan Quinn’s new series, Bay Area Players. Set in San Francisco, the story follows zoo keeper/flamingo lover Maple (aka Hardy Hopper’s ex from Bridesmaid Undercover) and pro football player Graydon, who are paired together for a partnership between the zoo and the city’s sports teams. She is a ray of sunshine and optimism, and he is a grumpy jerk, so watching these two fall in love after getting off on the wrong foot, then entering a PR relationship, was a joy

Once Maple peeled back all those layers and got to know Graydon better, he turned out to not be such a bad guy after all. He’s got some serious baggage thanks to his estranged relationship with his father, a former football pro himself who is trying to hang on to his glory days and makes Graydon’s life miserable. I’m a sucker for a hero showing his vulnerable side, and the scenes surrounding Graydon and his mom… I teared up.

These two characters were so well-matched. From the icy beginning to the heated moments, the banter was on point. And when the conflict between them popped up, I loved how solid and sure Maple was in their relationship when Graydon thought he was too complicated and broken to be worthy of her love.

This book features a full-cast narration, with Connor Crais and Emma Wilder as Graydon and Maple. (Teddy Hamilton, JP Harding, Jason Clarke, Stella Hunter and Samantha Brentmoor voice other characters.) As always, Connor and Emma were a pleasure to listen to, perfectly capturing the distrust, then yearning, between Graydon and Maple.

As a longtime reader, I loved how MQ brought in characters from her other series! Aside from Hardy and Everly (whom Maple is now besties with), Hutton and Scarlett (from the college baseball series The Brentwood Boys make an appearance since he is one of Graydon’s teammates. OC (from the Agitators) and Bennett (Gabby’s brother from Almond Bay) are the other heroes for this series. The Gladdy Daddies text thread definitely rivals the texting shenanigans among the Agitators! And because flamingos are involved, there’s a small cameo from bird lover JP Cane.

I can’t wait to see what comes next in this series! I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.