Buttercup's Book Blog

Monday, May 15, 2023

Review: One and Only : a single dad fake marriage sports romance by Karla Sorensen

One and Only : a single dad fake marriage sports romance by Karla Sorensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC of this book via the author and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, all opinions are my own.

This is a standalone, but it does have interconnected characters to other books that the author has written. Greer is the sister of Erik who shows up in The Plan and Adaline who we meet in The Crush. From the graphics that the author has posted each of the Wilder siblings is going to get a story, which I am here for!

This follows Greer, oldest sister of the Wilder girls. She has hatched a plan to find a fake husband to walk her down the aisle to allow her ailing father the gift of giving one of his daughters away before it is too late. She knows her plan is crazy, but she is willing to do crazy things for her family. All of her candidates have been duds so far and she's running out of time. Enter Beckett Coleman, professional football player and her younger brother's teammate. Beckett is looking for an interior designer to make his daughter, Olive's room more inviting, which is where Greer comes in. He and Olive's mom have a great co-parenting relationship, but she is getting married and moving away for a year and worried that Beckett won't be OK on his own. When he gets wind of Greer's crazy plan to get fake married, he jumps right on the crazy train with her to build a fake family to help create a stable environment for Olive.

This was such an emotional story. Both Beckett and Greer had heartbreaking storylines. I was brought to tears several times while reading this, and that doesn't happen often. I loved Greer's ferocity when it came to her love for her family and the lengths she would go to in order to protect those she loves. I related to Greer so much. She's a bit of a tomboy who doesn't take crap from anyone, but also likes to be appreciated for being a woman and feel pretty too. Beckett was so frustrating because he knew what he wanted but wouldn't allow himself to have a little taste of happiness. As you get to know him you understand why, but you still don't like it. You want to shake him and yell at him and hug him all at the same time. I loved their slow burn romance and interactions together. Can we talk about Olive for a second, she is so precious! I loved how everyone was accepting of her needs and waited for her to come around in her own time.

This took me on an emotional rollercoaster that I haven't recovered from quite yet. I loved this opposites attract, slow burn, sports romance. It has some steam, but not too much. It is pretty emotional, so keep your tissues nearby. It also has some wonderful heartwarming moments that you won't want to miss. This has great family moments as well as great romantic gestures. I can't wait to see what the Wilders have in store for us in the future.

View all my reviews

Review: Fractal Noise by Christopher Paolini

Fractal Noise by Christopher Paolini
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided an audio ARC of this book via the publisher through Netgalley, all opinions are my own. Thank you to Macmillan Audio for providing me an audio ARC. Jennifer Hale once again did an amazing job with the narration. Her ability to voice each of the characters uniquely shows her talent for voice acting, and we get a glimpse of her musical talent as well in this book as she sings in this installment. If you aren't a fan of sound effects in this book, this might not be the book for you. This has a thudding noise that is present throughout the book that I thought added to the storyline, because it makes sense to what's happening on the planet and to the characters. In my opinion it really did add to the experience, but it is also going to annoy some readers and be a turn off. There is a point to the thudding an it puts you in the moment and emotional state with the characters. There is also some music and other sound effects as the chapters transition, which some listeners love and others very much dislike.

This is a prequel novel to To Sleep in a Sea of Stars, which you do no have to read first. I feel you can read them in either order, they are set in the same universe but not so closely connected that you have to read one before the other. I loved To Sleep, and I think if you enjoyed that you will like Fractal Noise as well. This also has a bit of The Martian vibes to it, but there is a group of characters isolated on the planet not just one person. While this is a sci-fi, space opera it is so much more than that. It explores grief, existence, faith, and one's ability to keep going when it doesn't feel like there is anything left to live for. It is so much more than a science fiction story on a far away planet that might hold untold secrets. I thought the world building was done well and the character dynamics really came through. I do wish we had gotten a little more back story on the characters, but we mainly get to know them from main character Alex's point of view and Alex himself.

This follows xenobiologist Alex and a crew of scientists as they investigate a strange anomaly on Talos VII, an uninhabited planet. The anomaly appears to be a giant hole in the ground emitting a pulse every 10 seconds. The larger ship can't land for safety reasons so the smaller crew lands and loads up their gear with a plan to walk to the hole, taking samples as they would on any other mission to discover what they can about the planet. The closer they get the 4 person crew suffers setback after setback, but they are determined to reach their goal. With every step closer they get the more dangerous the mission becomes.

As with To Sleep there is a nice glossary that Hale narrates at the end to help you with terminology
that would probably be more helpful in the written text but it was nice to listen to after the fact to put some things in context. The author also recorded a nice note about the book and the writing process for this book. I always enjoy when those are included as an added bonus.

Overall I enjoyed this journey and exploration into the mysteries of the universe. I'm looking forward to Paolini's future works in this universe and others.

View all my reviews

Review: Wingwoman by Katana Collins

Wingwoman by Katana Collins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC of this book via the author and Literally Yours PR, all opinions are my own.

This was so much fun. I love a good opposites attract, and Hope and Josh delivered. Hope city dweller from NYC and loves thrifting designer goods. Josh is a famous country singer from Texas, who has lost his inspiration. When Hope temporarily relocates to Austin for personal reasons, she decides to take on new clients during her stay. She's a professional wing woman who helps people learn to date confidently and safely. When Josh asks her to help find him a muse to inspire his next album, she is up for the challenge especially when he sets his sites on Hope herself as said muse.

This has everything I want from a romance book. Solid characters with good banter, some emotional baggage that they have to deal with, great supporting characters, and just the right amount of steam. Josh is up against alot. He has to write a new album or face losing his label. The plan he has hatched to write the new album doesn't exactly produce the sound he is known for, but it is inspired and wonderful. As he and Hope get to know each other, they both have to deal with emotions from the past that they aren't really ready for. With the help of good friends, good advice, and killer wardrobe Josh and Hope just might figure it out and find the love neither one of them was looking for but both of them needed.

Overall I really loved this. It had great supporting characters and Josh and Hope were wonderful as main characters. I loved spending time with them and couldn't put this down.

View all my reviews

Friday, May 12, 2023

Cover reveal: Flaunt by Adriana Locke

FLAUNT BY ADRIANA LOCKE

Release Date: June 2nd Genre/Tropes: Roommate-to-Lovers / Blue Collar / Small-Town Romance Cover Designer: Kari March

CHECK OUT THIS SEXY COVER!!

Flaunt by USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke is coming June 2nd!

Pre-order this roommate-to-lovers romance TODAY! https://geni.us/VE8XNT2 Add to Goodreads https://geni.us/FlauntGR

Blurb: Looking for a Fake Fiancé Have you ever wanted to prove someone wrong so badly that you could taste it? It doesn’t matter if they’re right. The fact that they had the audacity to say it is what counts. Hi. It’s me. I’m that person. The man I’ve been casually seeing told me I’m not “wife material” and should “lower my expectations”. Didn’t he realize I lowered them the moment I met him for dinner? Obviously not. Am I petty? Maybe. Annoyed? Of course. Determined? Definitely. I need someone to help me flaunt my new engagement—my fiancé couldn’t wait to pop the question because I’m that amazing—in his face. The problem? I don’t have a boyfriend, let alone a husband-to-be. Which brings us to you. Are you handsome? Successful? A smooth talker extraordinaire? Are you willing to do all the things that someone madly in love would do? Putting your hand on the small of my back. Forehead kissing. Acting like I’m a treasure you can’t live without. I need you to be prepared to do all those things … and maybe more. What do you get out of this? I’m willing to negotiate terms—especially if they include a job and a place to stay. It’s a long story. One night. One event. Let’s put on one heck of a show. From USA Today and Amazon Charts Bestselling author comes a “hot and hilarious!” fake-dating tale between two frenemies that turn into roommates, coworkers, and, ultimately, lovers. Fans of close proximity, one-bed trope, and blue-collar, small-town heroes will fall madly in love with this story.

About the Author: USA Today Bestselling author, Adriana Locke, writes contemporary romances about the two things she knows best—big families and small towns. Her stories are about ordinary people finding extraordinary love with the perfect combination of heart, heat, and humor. She loves connecting with readers, fall weather, football, reading alpha heroes, everything pumpkin, and pretending to garden. Hailing from a tiny town in the Midwest, Adriana spends her free time with her high school sweetheart (who she married over twenty-five years ago) and their four sons (who truly are her best work). Her kitchen may be a perpetual disaster, and if all else fails, there is always pizza. Learn more at adrianalocke.com.

Connect w/Adriana: Website: https://adrianalocke.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoradrianalocke Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/booksbyadrianalocke Twitter: https://twitter.com/authoralocke Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authoradrianalocke Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8379774.Adriana_Locke Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ivy7xd Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/adriana-locke Newsletter Signup: http://bit.ly/NewsletterAddy

Thursday, May 11, 2023

RELEASE BLITZ: LETTER LATE THAN NEVER by Lauren Connolly & Smartypants Romance

Letter Late Than Never, a second-chance small-town romance from Lauren Connolly, is LIVE in Kindle Unlimited!

Can a hot paramedic resuscitate this mail woman’s flatlining spirit of adventure?

Gwen Elsmere fell in love with Sebastian Kirkwood when she was sixteen, but a dead frog stole her chance to land the guy of her daydreams. Ten years later, when Gwen makes a desperate 9-1-1 call, Sebastian re-enters her life as the first paramedic on the scene. Unfortunately, she’s smeared in blood, and he’s engaged to another woman. The awkward rescue is far from the passionate reunion she’d secretly hoped for. Still, Gwen’s brief transformation from postal worker to neighborhood hero has her reevaluating her cautious nature.

If she can save a woman’s life, why can’t she change her own?

As Gwen challenges herself with adventures, big and small, she discovers an unlikely sidekick in her former crush. Sebastian reveals glimpses of the goofy teenager who first made her swoon, but there are shadows behind his eyes she wants to shine a light on. When Gwen discovers the sexy EMT is not as spoken for as everyone in Green Valley believes, she dares to hope for a second chance to risk her heart. But even as a chemist cat, drag queens, and glitter beards reward her new outgoing nature, secrets, pain, and fear threaten to snuff out her courageous spirit.

Gwen will have to decide if Sebastian and she are better late than never or better never together.

‘Letter Late Than Never’ is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #3 in the Green Valley Heroes series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe.

Grab your copy TODAY!

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/41hNsYQ

Amazon UK: https://bit.ly/3IiPcbv

Amazon CA: https://bit.ly/3Sm0yzT

Amazon AU: https://bit.ly/3kkt0pi

Audible: Coming Soon

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/3Y9WaFL

About Lauren Connolly

Lauren Connolly is an award-winning author of contemporary and paranormal romance stories. She’s lived among mountains, next to lakes, and in imaginary worlds. Lauren can never seem to stay in one place for too long, but trust that wherever she’s residing there is a dog who thinks he’s a troll, twin cats hiding in the couch, and bookshelves bursting with stories written by the authors she loves.

Find Lauren online

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@laurenconnollyromance

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenconnollyromance/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/laurenaliciaCon

FB: https://www.facebook.com/LaurenConnollyRomance/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/LaurenConnollyRomance/

Connect with Smartypants Romance

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2kvDnb4

Twitter: http://bit.ly/2lzyduO

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2lGdIMQ

Instagram: http://bit.ly/2kwKsYK

Website: https://smartypantsromance.com/

Newsletter: https://smartypantsromance.com/newsletter/

Tuesday, May 9, 2023

Review: A Crown of Ivy and Glass

A Crown of Ivy and Glass by Claire Legrand
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was provided both a print and audio ARC of this book via the publisher and Netgalley. As always all opinions expressed in my review are my own.

As you can see from the synopsis this follows Gemma, the youngest of a noble family blessed with magical abilities. Gemma is the only one who does not have magic, and when she spends time around those with magic, she suffers great pain and panic attacks. When Gemma meets charming and handsome Talan at one of her lavish parties, she is immediately smitten. In Talan she is able to forget about her constant pain and he helps her with her panic. Gemma and Talan strike a deal to help each other navigate high society in exchange for gaining revenge against those who have wronged their families. In their quest for vengeance they uncover curses, demons, and other unsavory things.

This was a unique adult fantasy romance. This has all of the elements of a regency romance mixed in with the fantasy romance you expect from FBAA or ACOTAR. I really enjoyed the fantasy elements, and hope that the author flushes out the magic system a bit more in the next book. I look forward to reading about what the sisters find out about their magic in the next installment. I thought the worldbuilding was good and there was a good mix of fantasy creatures and lore present. I hope that continues to expand in the next book as well.

This has quite a few adult romance scenes. They aren't overly graphic as some romance books, however there are a good amount of them. Gemma suffers from a sickness that causes her pain when she is around magic. Being that she is surrounded by magic most of the time, she uses intimate relations as an escape from the pain and the isolation her condition brings with it. In the beginning I felt Gemma was immature and spoiled, and a bit unlikable. She is quite aware that she is spoiled but as the story progresses she comes into her own as she learns about her affliction and starts to take control. I thought her relationship with Talan was a bit instalovey and she forgave him too quickly and trusted him too easily after she uncovers some damning information about him. Love conquers all I guess. I did really enjoy the sister relationship between Gemma, Mara, and Farrin.

I felt this was a big on the long side. There are long periods where the plot isn't advancing and the characters aren't really making headway in any particular direction. Then all of a sudden lots of things happen all at once. If you liked Furyborn series, I think you'll enjoy this. The writing style and characters feel very similar, but it has alot more adult content.

View all my reviews

BLOG TOUR: Tough Cookie by Talia Hunter & Smartypants Romance

Tough Cookie, an all-new heartfelt fake dating small-town romance from Talia Hunter, is now available in Kindle Unlimited!

Noah Malone is back in his hometown for a short break from his stunt work, but his mother’s set on convincing him to settle down in Green Valley so he can give her grandbabies like the good Lord intended. Not only is she pushing him to help out at the Donner Bakery decorating cookies, but her matchmaking is relentless.

To end his mother’s awkward set-ups, Noah needs a no-strings-attached pretend girlfriend. And who better than Carla, a mysterious recluse who seems to have taken an instant dislike to him? When she reveals she’s been isolated by illness, he proposes a fake relationship that’ll stop his momma’s shenanigans and help Carla ease back into the world.

Tech-geek Carla creates a spreadsheet of fake-date challenges. She’s serious and focused on her goal of slowly becoming more social… until daredevil Noah starts messing with her spreadsheet. He’s ridiculously charming, and his sexy additions may be even more appealing than the cookies he brings her, but Carla won’t let her resistance crumble.

Opposites may attract, but can such different people find a recipe for love?

‘Tough Cookie’ is a full-length contemporary romance, can be read as a standalone, and is book #3 in the Donner Bakery series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe.

Grab your copy TODAY!

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3Ks706P

Amazon UK: https://bit.ly/3kpRSMp

Amazon CA: https://bit.ly/3Y6u8Ln

Amazon AU: https://bit.ly/3ZbVoc5

Audible Audiobook: http://bit.ly/3JHWd6j

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/41ueX1j

Excerpt

Pulling my truck up in front of our old farmhouse, the first thing I noticed was how enormous the old oak tree behind the house had grown, and how far its branches stretched over the roof. I made a mental note to trim it back.

The house was even prettier than I remembered, mostly because someone had placed potted herbs along the porch rail to soak up the winter sunshine. My mother had said she hadn’t sent anyone over to check on things since her tenant had moved in, yet the place looked well maintained. The vegetable beds had been covered with cold frames, and the plants inside seemed to be thriving. And chickens were scratching around in the large run I built for Momma years ago.

Who was the mysterious tenant who grew her own food and never asked for anything?

Maybe she was on the run, or in witness protection. She could have stolen a bunch of money before holing herself up in the isolated house and was living in constant fear of being found by the feds. Though in all honesty, that was the plot of the last movie I’d worked on.

Still, when I mounted the steps to the porch with the jar of cookies under my arm—to my credit, it was still more than half full—and knocked on the front door, I was ready for just about anything.

Anything, that was, except what actually happened.

When the door swung open and I saw the woman in the doorway, my jaw loosened. Momma had called her pretty, and though it was a true statement, it didn’t do her justice.

The woman’s face shape was delicate, but her eyes, cheekbones, and lips were generous, like she’d managed to swipe a little more than her fair share. Her eyes were a rich brown. She had dark, wavy hair that fell past her shoulders and was tucked neatly behind her ears. She was wearing thick, fuzzy socks, sweatpants, and what looked like several layers of warm tops. Despite the layers, her bombshell curves were obvious.

I was struck speechless. But it wasn’t just her beauty that made words dry up. It was the way she was looking at me.

Her gaze traveled up from my boots, over my jeans, and cut a slow path across the jersey I’d worn to keep my mother happy. It brushed over the jar of cookies on its way, and grazed my freshly trimmed beard. Her gaze stopped short of reaching my eyes, however. It jerked back to the cookies. And all the while, a frown creased her brow.

She didn’t look happy to see me. The opposite, in fact.

About Talia Hunter

Talia Hunter likes to include her three favorite things in her novels: toe-curling romance, snort-laughs, and heart-warming friendships. She recently moved to Australia’s beautiful Gold Coast, where she's constantly amazed and not at all freaked out by the weird and wonderful critters. When she's not writing, you can usually find her with a glass of wine, a good book, at least one of her three cats, and a jumbo-sized can of bug spray.