ARC Review: Flipcup by Kim Hartfield

Title: Flipcup 
Series: Vinos & Veritas #7 
Author: Kim Hartfield
Publisher: Hearts Eye Press 
Release Date: April 5, 2021 

Could swearing off men lead Chelsea to the perfect woman?

After being rejected one too many times, Chelsea makes a bold vow: No more men. Her friends doubt a boy-crazy party girl can handle not dating for a year, but that only makes Chelsea more determined.

Tara has made a vow, too. After growing up in foster care and suppressing herself to please others, she's going to live her truth. When she sees a beautiful woman, she'll make her attraction known.

Chelsea appreciates Tara's flirtatious compliments, not to mention her androgynous beauty. There's a loophole in Chelsea's vow, and it's more tempting every day...

The first FF installment in the V&V series and I did enjoy it but not as much as I was hoping to. The overall story was good and got me into it but where part of my big issue lies is with the one main character.

Chelsea is where most of my problems with this title was. She did grow as a person throughout the story but I couldn't get past some of it; it was said that she would be self absorbed and she was and the way she treated Tara at times made me frustrated on her behalf. Tara on the other hand I loved and wanted to see more for her and to live her life. During the climax things were said and I just felt that the resolution was just way to simple and neatly wrapped for what occurred. The side characters were a great supporting cast and important to Chelsea growing as an individual which were major points to what I enjoyed. My only other big issue with the story is how it was all wrapped up. It was progressing nicely and then it just sort of ended out of nowhere on me. I felt that there should have been more and not just end of book. 

Overall I'm giving Flipcup: 

3/5 Stars

ARC Review: Hideaway by Rachel Lacey

Title: Hideaway

Series: Vinos and Veritas #8
Author: Rachel Lacey 
Publisher: Heart Eyes Press
Release Date: April 5, 2021

One woman’s hiding place is another woman’s home.

After becoming an inadvertent viral sensation—and losing her job and her girlfriend as a result— Phoebe Shaw retreats to Vermont. Renovating her late grandmother’s cabin into a vacation rental seems like the perfect way to lie low for a while. But the last person she expects to encounter on the property is the woman whose kiss was her teenage sexual awakening . . . and whom she’s never quite forgotten.

Taylor Donovan has been hiking on the trails behind the Shaw family’s cabin her whole life. As children, Taylor and Phoebe were best friends before sharing a secret summer romance when they were sixteen, which left Taylor brokenhearted when Phoebe fled at the end of the summer. Now the property has become Taylor’s home away from home, and she wants nothing more than to convince the Shaws to sell it to her. But Phoebe’s return puts a crimp in those plans--and brings back old feelings she thought she’d overcome.

Of all the things Phoebe regrets, leaving Taylor is at the top of the list, but Taylor is determined to protect her heart. Yet the pull between them is stronger than ever. This time around, will love stay hidden . . . or finally see the light of day?

Second chance romance and cute dogs, I was so excited for this but it fell flat for me. I've said it before but this one I truly believe was just not the right time for me to read it.  The story was very well written and put together, I just couldn't find myself enjoying it. 

Phoebe and Taylor I enjoyed. I was rooting for Taylor from the start and the work that she does with the dogs and wanted her to be happy. I could tell that Phoebe was what made her happy and that was great. I was actually more interested in the dogs that were part of the story than seeing their relationship progress because in the past they were already so in love and I knew that they would overcome the past and be together again which made so sense. 

What I did love though was how low angst it was, how sweet and how much heart went into it. All of which is why I know this one was one me and I will be giving this one a second chance.  Rachel Lacey did such a wonderful job crafting such a beautiful story and I do encourage others to go read this book because it is such a great FF. 

3/5 Stars

 

ARC Review: Booklover by J.E. Birk

Title: Booklover

Series: Vinos & Veritas #6

Author: J.E. Birk
Publisher: Heart Eyes Press
Release Date: March 29, 2021

Two guys meet over a stack of romance novels. Soon they're turning pages late into the night...

Jamie Morin’s college GPA drops every time a cow breaks through a fence, but he’s determined to get his degree and keep his parents’ Vermont dairy farm afloat. He’d rather be reading than milking, but he can’t let his family down…not the way his brother did. So the last thing he needs is distraction in the form of an irresistible bookseller with a mysterious backstory.

Briar Nord has a lifetime of experience proving that happily-ever-afters only happen in his favorite books. But his luck might be changing. He’s got a great job at a bookstore, and he lives in a city that puts maple syrup on everything. But Briar knows not to trust anything or anyone. And that includes a gorgeous farm boy with soulful eyes and too many obligations.

When Jamie joins Briar’s romance novel book club, they both feel an instant connection. Soon they’re turning pages long into the night. But Briar’s past was bound to catch up with him. Sometimes, though, it takes two heroes to write a new ending . . .

I'm going to try to remain as spoiler free as possible but there was so much epic stuff at work here. 2 men bonding over romance novels in a book club!? Sign me up.  

Jamie is super sweet and adorable, which made it easy to love him and how much he does for everybody. Briar on the other hand is adjusting to his new life, so when the two of them meet for the first time, the sparks fly. The growth between the two of them starts off kind of slow because Jamie's obligation to his family farm seems to get in the way. With both of them they agree they can't do more than be an occasional hookup between Briar and his trust issues and Jamie with the farm and college and work. Love always finds a way to sneak up on them. 

With that being said the issues that both of them brought us to the climax which I was actually upset over. Thankfully because of their love for each other and romance novels they worked everything out in the most adorable scene ever. The ending also made me squeal with how cute it was. The spicy scenes were just that. Spicy and somehow freaking adorable with what they pulled off. This was easily one of my favorites so far of the series and I will for sure read it again. 

5/5 Stars

ARC Review: Aftermath by L.A. Witt

Title: Aftermath 
Series: Vinos and Veritas #5
Author: L.A. Witt
Publisher: Heart Eyes Press
Release Date: March 29, 2021

Brent Weyland was the life of the party until an injury ended his hockey career. Now he’s retreated alone to a lakefront house, trying to make sense of a life and body that don’t feel like his anymore.

Jon Norquist was happily married right up until he wasn’t. Now a single father in his forties, he’s trying to figure out what comes next. In the meantime, he pours his heartache and regret into the lyrics he sings for the wine bar crowd a couple of nights a week.

When a friend coaxes Brent out for a night of wine and music, he puts Brent and Jon on a collision course. Their chemistry is instantaneous. Jon gives Brent’s battered body a much-needed remedial lesson in pleasure. And Brent gives Jon a reason to smile again.

Multiple reasons, actually. Neither man wants anything serious, but love has a habit of showing up whether it’s welcome or not. No matter how hard they try, the two can’t help having feelings for each other, even as life continues to throw them curveballs.

But they’ve both got baggage to unpack and hurt to move past, and if they can’t leave their pasts in the past, they might just miss out on an amazing future.

L.A. Witt is one of those authors who I highly enjoy and Aftermath was no exception to the rule. There was so much that I loved about this installment in the V&V series, that we're just going to get into it.  

Jon and Brent for starters were such a great couple to watch be together. Brent going out for the first time in a while because of his accident brings us the first meeting between the two men and holy sparks fly. The chemistry that the two fo them have is unreal. It may seem like it will be nothing more than a friends with benefits type of deal but watching them fall in love is just beautiful. Jon being a single father didn't stop him from devoting time to both his son and Brent and Brent was more than happy to let the relationship between Jon and his son not affect him even if he wanted to spend more time with him. They brought out the best in each other and Jon was such a huge help to getting Brent to where he needed to be. 

Even during the climax when Murphy's Law goes into effect, they made it through it and came out even stronger than before. Even the cast of side characters had me charmed and that includes Jon's ex. Okay maybe Brent's father I could have done without but he played a key role in the story and I couldn't fault L.A. Witt for having wrote the character. 

I would love to see more about these two in the future however and that's why my rating:

4/5 Stars 

ARC Review: Undercover by Eliot Grayson

Title: Undercover 

Series: (Vinos and Veritas #4) 
Author: Eliot Grayson
Publisher: Heart Eyes Press 
Release Date: March 29, 2021

Gabe wants Alec between the sheets…too bad Alec’s undercover already…

Rich kid. Party boy. Gabe is tired of the labels. He’s a smart guy, but ever since he got kicked out of grad school, people are only interested in his no-limit credit card and his pierced ears…and other places.

Tall, dark and scowling Alec hates Vermont, with its artisanal-freaking-everything and its irritating people. To be fair, most people irritate Alec, including the FBI director who sent him here to investigate a smuggling scheme involving yoga mats.

When one of the cutest twinks Alec’s ever seen takes an interest, Alec knows there’s an ulterior motive. No one with multi-colored hair, piercings, and an ass like that would want boring, serious Alec. The kid must be up to no good. Either way, Alec can’t blow his cover. If only he could keep his hands off of Gabe long enough to find out what he’s up to…

Can they ignore their explosive chemistry long enough to foil a smuggling ring? Or will their budding relationship sink faster than a yacht full of contraband?

Review: 

Starting off with this one by saying while it was ok, I had a hard time getting into the story. While this is my first book by Eliot Grayson I was excited to dive in to a brand new to me author. However after the first few pages I knew this either wasn't the right time for this story or just not my style. 

I did really like the characters of Gabe and Alec though. Gabe just wanting to prove that he is more than just some rich kid and it was sweet to watch him go after Alec. As for broody Alec, he was the one of the main elements that made me want to see how the story would go. Seeing Alec falling for Gabe as we progressed had me hoping for more but that isn't to say I didn't have issues with them being together. 

The mystery elements tend to be hit or miss for me and with everything going on in Undercover, the mystery was a miss. I knew going into this it would have some elements of mystery with Alec being undercover and that meant not being able to tell Gabe the truth right away.  Given Gabe's issues with trusting people just kind of turned me off from it because of the inevitable fall out that would occur. Also with Gabe's issues I felt that they weren't taken as seriously as they should have been. Going from there once the fall out occurred it felt so rushed on fixing everything and making everything right again. 

I may try this one again in the future and see if it plays out better for me than the first time but as of right now, I find myself giving this a: 

3/5 stars

Cover Reveal: Busy Bean 4-6

 Hey everyone! I'm back with some new cover reveals for y'all! Today we have the next 3 titles in the Busy Bean series of Sarina Bowen's World of True North. I have to say I love these covers and my personal favorite from this set has to be Doubletalk by Teralyn Mitchell. 

So without further ado: 

These covers are just amazing and down below you'll find blurbs and pre-order links and a larger cover for each of the books.  First up is Busy Bean #4: Friendzoned by Rachel Blaufeld 

FRIENDZONED BY RACHEL BLAUFELD

Release Date: May 24, 2021

Purchase here:
Amazon: https://geni.us/FriendzonedAmazon
Apple: https://geni.us/FriendzonedApple
Kobo: https://geni.us/FriendzonedKobo
Nook: https://geni.us/FriendzonedNook

All the links in one spot: https://shor.by/busy-bean
Add to Goodreads here: http://bit.ly/3anB3ZJ
Series page: https://hearteyespress.com/wotn#/busy-bean/
Cover Design: Elle Maxwell Designs

Blurb:

When Murphy Landon, the New York socialite, runs off to Vermont with her bruised reputation and stylish wardrobe in the trunk of a used car, it’s the first time in her life she’s dared to turn her back on her high-society parents. 

Used to grabbing a gourmet coffee whenever the urge strikes, Murphy finds herself on the other side of the counter, fumbling strangers’ orders...until a sinfully handsome thirty-three year old version of Ben Rooney from high school walks in.

The pair met years ago at a prestigious boarding school and became friends, but only behind closed doors. She’d been a spoiled brat, and he was a football player on scholarship. Ben tried to hide his crush on her, and Murphy set firm boundaries. After a prom night gone wrong, they’d gone their separate ways.

Now their circumstances are reversed. Ben is a successful surgeon. He’s come a long way from his parents’ humble maple syrup business. And Murphy is pouring his coffee? Is this a joke?

His first thought is that she should drive her gorgeous self right back to New York, where she can’t possibly break his heart. His second one is deep concern. His third thought is he wants a do-over of prom night. A very adult one… 

With plenty of secrets between them, copious pure maple syrup, Ben and Murphy are in for a wild and sticky ride.

Next up is Studfinder by LB Dunbar and after her first installment in the series I can't wait to see what she has done with this one.

STUDFINDER BY L.B. DUNBAR

Release Date: August 2, 2021

Pre-Order Links: COMING SOON!

All the links in one spot: https://shor.by/busy-bean
Add to Goodreads → http://bit.ly/3cspRh3
Series page: https://hearteyespress.com/wotn#/busy-bean/
Cover Design: Elle Maxwell Designs

Who does that sexy silver fox think he is, sitting in her spot in the Busy Bean Cafe?

Over forty, with zero filter, Rita Kaplan loves her coffee, her hiking boots, and her law practice. Life hasn’t always been carefree, though, and Rita’s past holds the scars of poor decisions after deep loss. She survived, though, and no smirky silver fox is going to get in the way of her happiness. Even if he knows how to use his drill, screwdriver, and every other tool in his box to tempt her . . .

Former arson investigator Jake Drummond could add ex-con to his resume if he had one. Instead, he’s serving the final year of his sentence on probation. This involves mandatory AA meetings, hosted by a feisty local attorney, and working on a renovation project, supervised by the same annoyingly attractive whirlwind, who also believes she owns the exclusive rights to a comfy couch in his new favorite coffee shop. Soon she’s everywhere, including the few places she shouldn’t be--like in his bed and in his heart. 

Can opposites lower their walls and construct something everlasting . . . or will their connected past lead to demolition for two hearts in need of a rebuild

Finally our last one of the morning is going to be Doubletalk by Teralyn Mitchell

DOUBLETALK BY TERALYN MITCHELL

Release Date: September 13, 2021

Pre-Order Links: COMING SOON!

All the links in one spot: https://shor.by/busy-bean
Add to Goodreads → http://bit.ly/2MFT3pU
Series page: https://hearteyespress.com/wotn#/busy-bean/
Cover Design: Elle Maxwell Designs

Blurb

Basketball has always been his one love, until now . . .

Zeke Armstrong never imagined he’d be back in Vermont, but here he is, living in Colebury and trying to rehab an injury that could mean an early retirement from pro basketball. Running into his former classmate, Mallory Barrett, shouldn’t be a distraction. It shouldn’t mean anything, so why is he accidentally on purpose showing up at the coffee shop where the beautiful writer spends her time? 

Mallory Barrett has met a guy. Well, she hasn’t met him yet, except for on the dating app she almost refused to download. “Coby” sparks her interest and gets her jokes--and gives the romance-novel heroes she loves so much a full-court run for their money. When their first date doesn’t work out, she decides to give him another shot . . . just as a man she despises reenters her life. While her interest in the mystery man on the app grows, she clashes constantly with Zeke in real life. She can’t forgive him for humiliating her in high school, yet she can’t deny she’s drawn to him now. 

She’s somehow gone from confirmed bachelorette to the tie-breaker between two men.  Meanwhile, Zeke has a secret--one that will cost him the game if Mallory finds out . . .

ARC Review: Cowboy (Busy Bean #2) L.B. Dunbar

 Title: Cowboy (Busy Bean #2) 
Series: World of True North 
Author: L.B. Dunbar
Publisher: HeartEyes Press
Release Date: March 1,2021 

Pregnant at forty-two? Back the cow up...

Harland Bull Eaton has lost many things—his first wife, his beloved mother, those three women he proposed to . . . Oh, and there was that time he almost lost the family dairy farm due to a scandal. He’s losing faith in just about everything, especially love. 

But one night, his friends give him a dare. No commitments. No heartbreak. Just buy that gorgeous redhead a drink. The big-city bombshell he’s set his eyes on swirls him into a tailspin that lands them in bed for a one-night stand he’s pretty sure he’ll never forget. But this time, he swears, he won’t let his heart ride herd on his common sense. 

Recently separated and newly unemployed, Scarlett Russell is at a crossroads. With no other plan than visiting a friend in Vermont, the last thing she expects is a hunky, silver fox offering to buy her a drink. Even less expected is when she raises that offer to “take me to bed, cowboy.” She just wants one night to forget everything gone wrong.

Turns out once won’t be nearly enough. Won’t ever be enough, feeling the way she does. But secrets and an unexpected surprise are a lot to handle . . . unless these two can break a trail to an unexpected happily ever after.

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

So this book, this book right here. From the very start I was laughing and enjoying this story. LB Dunbar drew me in from the very first sentence. Bull and Scarlett were a great couple. Seeing both of them being in their 40s and finding their love with each other and the trials that they both had to overcome. Also surprise baby was always worth the read. 

Both of them had so much heartache when they decided to have their one night stand at the very beginning of the book and having never expected to see each other again set everything in motion. Life throws curveballs as both of them quickly learn. Watching them be there for each other no matter what was happening. Both of them deciding that Bull will be part of the baby's life regardless of the situation, the love and respect for one another, was out of this world.

The spicy scenes were well written and the two of them had such great chemistry together both during those moments and the rest of the story in just their interactions with each other and other characters. 

Overall Rating: 4 Stars 

ARC Review: Sweetheart (Busy Bean #1) by Sarah Mayberry

Title: Sweetheart (Busy Bean #1) 

Author: Sarah Mayberry
Publisher: HeartEyes Press
Release Date: March 1, 2021

I just wanted to get my hands on his beans

Four years ago, I had a ridiculous crush on my sister's boyfriend. But when they moved away together, I put Beck out of my mind and my heart. But now he's back, and roasting the best coffee in Vermont. I need to convince him to supply the Busy Bean. And I need more of those kisses we accidentally shared outside the coffee shop. He still makes my heart race faster than a triple shot of espresso. 

She should be off limits, but instead she's pushing mine

Her sister burned my life to the ground, so Haley Elliot is the last woman I should bring into my bed. Although our business relationship is giving way to something more than a fine grind. Neither of us can help ourselves. And what’s worse, I think I’m falling for her.

But it’s a small town, and ours is a big secret. And when her sister blows back into town, suddenly the coffee isn’t the only thing brewing...

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC for one of the first titles in Sarina Bowen's World of True North. Sweetheart is the first title in the Busy Bean section of WOTN and this was my first book by this particular author and I wasn't disappointed with it at all.  

Haley and Beck were such an interesting couple to watch grow together. After having been Haley's boyfriend for over a year, Beck wanted nothing to do with Haley due to past history. Seeing Beck put that behind him and actually give Haley a chance to prove that she wasn't just like her sister, they discover just how much they really have in common. Seeing Beck stand up for and protect Haley when she needed it proved just how much he cares for her. On the flip side Haley became the person Beck needed to move on with his life and understood where he was coming from with her sister having been treated too much of the same treatment over the years. 

The supporting cast was also a great set of characters and being able to see some of the characters from Sarina's own True North series was great as a follow up to what was going on in the lives. The writing was good, the story was sweet and spicy at just the right moments. I'm hoping we get to see more of these characters as the rest of the series continues; even if it is just a glimpse to know how they are doing.

Overall Rating: 4 Stars

Sarina Bowen's World of True North Cover Reveal

 Hey everyone! I'm super excited to share not 1, not 2 but 3 cover reveals this morning! These are the first 3 titles in Sarina Bowen's World of True North: Vinos and Veritas series. 

The Vinos and Veritas series is an LGBT+ series and has some of my favorite authors in its line up. I already have these 3 pre-ordered and can't wait for the rest to come out as well this year. The first 3 authors for this series are: Annabeth Albert, Garrett Leigh, and Eden Finley.  I could ramble forever about how excited I am and how much I love these authors in particular but we're here to see some covers. So let's get on with it. 

FEATHERBED BY ANNABETH ALBERT

Release Date: March 15, 2021

Pre-Order here: https://geni.us/AmazonFeatherbed

Add to Goodreads here: https://bit.ly/3mKWKXJ 

Share this page: https://hearteyespress.com/wotn#/vino-and-veritas/  

Cover Design: Christine Coffey

Blurb: 

When a bookworm on borrowed time meets a younger, free-spirited chicken farmer, sparks and feathers fly…

Harrison Phillip Fletcher, III isn’t supposed to be here. Not in Burlington, Vermont, not running Vino & Veritas, a quaint inclusive bookstore and wine bar, and definitely not still alive, at forty-two. Also not supposed to be here? An unexpected delivery of chickens.

Finn Barnes knows chickens. The burly organic farmer knows all about rare breed poultry, but dealing with a hot, older bookseller is an entirely different matter. City slicker types like Harrison never end up staying in Vermont for the long-term.

They should steer clear of each other. But the flare of attraction is mutual. And somehow amid book discussions and farm tours, they discover plenty in common. Now they’re stealing kisses in Finn’s barn, sneaking out like teens, and burning up the sheets.

What starts as a fling brings very real feelings for two lonely souls, but a future together seems as unlikely as chickens in a bookstore. Feathers may be flying, but learning to trust takes time neither may have. Can they take a leap of faith together before it’s too late?

Featherbed is a stand-alone novel in Sarina Bowen’s World of True North. This opposites-attract, age-gap romance features a low-angst, fluffy—and feathery—romp as a fish out of water discovers the home he never thought he’d find.

HEARTSCAPE BY GARRETT LEIGH

Release Date: March 22, 2021

Pre-Order here: https://geni.us/AmazonHeartscape 

Add to Goodreads here: https://bit.ly/3roFo6y 

Share this page: https://hearteyespress.com/wotn#/vino-and-veritas/  

Cover Design: Christine Coffey

Blurb:

From award-winning author Garrett Leigh comes a gorgeous new romance in the True North world! Think: great food, burly men and good times. Beards are optional but encouraged.

I’m not the obvious choice to run Burlington’s coolest wine bar—quiet, brooding, clueless about tannin content, and always one wrong turn away from another downward spiral.

But no one seems to mind that I'm a wreck. Besides me. I just focus on getting through each shift until the night a beautiful stranger appears, looking as lost and damaged as I feel.

When a mutual friend calls in a favor, the sexy newcomer winds up crashing on my couch. I don't know if it's his melodic Cornish accent, or his ocean blue eyes, or the rock-hard body with the mysterious scars, but I get the feeling whatever happened to him runs far deeper than those wounds. 

Having Jax in my home makes my chest warm. Makes me shiver. Makes me want more. But I've got a pile of baggage and I don't want to be a burden on anyone let alone a man who seems to have enough demons of his own. 

Our chemistry is off the charts. His arms feel like home. The last thing I want is to screw this up. Is it wrong to hope we can heal each other? Or will one of us die trying?

HEARTSCAPE is a heartfelt MM friends-to-lovers romance in the True North world, with a brooding bartender, a rugged outdoorsman, sweet angst and lots of Shipley cider. Triggers: contains mentions of depression, suicidal ideation and PTSD recovery.

HEADSTRONG BY EDEN FINLEY

Release Date: March 22, 2021

Pre-Order here: https://geni.us/AmazonHeadstrong 

Add to Goodreads here: https://bit.ly/34H76l7 

Share this page: https://hearteyespress.com/wotn#/vino-and-veritas/  

Cover Design: Christine Coffey

Blurb:

A straight guy gives gay hookup tips to a virgin. What could go wrong? 

When I first met Whit, I couldn’t get away from him fast enough. He’s a hockey player, and I hate everything to do with the sport that broke my heart.

But I can’t help feeling sorry for the guy. He’s newly out and desperate to meet someone, but his eagerness seems to scare potential hook-ups away.

Agreeing to be his wingman should’ve been simple. Watching him flirt with other guys made things complicated.

Whit challenges me in every aspect of my life, from my hatred of hockey to the new questions I’m asking myself. Like why a straight man suddenly can’t stop thinking about kissing another guy.

I think the answer lies somewhere on Whit’s lips...

So now that all 3 of these awesome covers have been revealed, which one is your favorite? For me it might just be Featherbed because of that little chick on his arm. The blurbs for all 3 are fantastic as well and I can't wait for their release dates to add them to my collection.