MF - Love to Hate You by Whitley Cox

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

She needs arm candy, he needs her insurance, but first, they need to drive across the country without killing each other.


Eli

Since the first day of kindergarten, I have hated Alexandra Hartford.
And twenty-something years later that hasn’t changed.
But she has.
She’s still a tomboy with a chip on her shoulder, but now she’s a hot tomboy with a chip on her tattooed shoulder who can fight like a badass.
I’d still rather have a bath with fire ants than spend ten days in a car with her, but she has something I need.
Once the deal is done, we can go our separate ways.
That is … if I want to.

Alex

Eli Evans is my nemesis.
He blames me for his sister’s death, our parents’ divorces, and probably global warming, too.
Why on Earth would I help him?
Because he’s as easy on the eyes as he is the bane of my existence and I need a hot date to a wedding in San Diego.
Can we drive across the country without me leaving him at a truck stop somewhere? I doubt it.
But, I’m willing to try.
Ten days in a car, a wedding, and a marriage of convenience, then I’m done with him forever.
Right?

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Love to Hate You is a great read by Whitley Cox. If you enjoy enemies to lovers romances, this is a must read. 

Alex and Eli have a lifetime of memories together. They also share the loss of Alex's best friend, Eli's twin sister. That event added an extra wedge between them that they haven't been able to work through. 

This is a lifelong nemesis story. Eli was ruthless to Alex through the years, as her school bully, as well as through their later years. 

I love a good enemies to lovers tale, but only if the author can somehow truly make me believe they can get through their issues. It isn't always easy to make forgiveness and redemption believable, but the author excells in both. 

This is also a pretend marriage story, as the two get married to provide Eli with health insurance for a much needed surgery. Of course, the arrangement will benefit her too. 

Everything that follows is a well explored journey towards understanding and forgiveness. And damn it, but I'm still shocked I was able to forgive Eli for everything. 

I love the relationship they end up developing and truly enjoy them as a couple. 

Love to Hate You is an emotional read that will take you through it all; pain, hate, anger, loss, grief, forgiveness, love. This Whitley Cox tale is also passionate and steamy, making this enemies to lovers tale a delicious read. 

MF - Reckless (Wildrose Landing #3) by Abby Brooks

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU  
Goodreads Link

I thought the proposal was a joke at first. You would too, given the circumstances. Anyone would.

When my brother’s best friend asks me to marry him—right after we fell into bed together!—it’s not for love. And it’s certainly not because he has his eyes set on a happily ever after.

Oh no.

He wants me to be the future Mrs. Malone because he’s in a bind and “kind of needs a wife.”

But I’ve been head-over-heels, stupid-in-the-brain in love with the guy since I was sixteen. SIXTEEN.

While he’s talking about a business proposal, I’m staring at a dream come true.

Obviously, I should walk away from this crazy idea with my head held high, but when it comes to Jude, I’m weak. I always have been.

Plus, after our drunken rendezvous the night of my brother’s wedding, I’ve got some very real reasons to say yes.

I can get through this with my heart intact…can’t I?

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Reckless is a fantastic brother's best friend romance. This Abby Brooks gem is everything I love about this trope. 

From the start, I feel in love with Jude and Izzy. These two have been longing for one another for years. But Jude has long known that Izzy was off limits. 

Add in a one night stand, a proposal, and an accidental pregnancy, and things start to progress between the two. And wow, it gets so good between them!

Omg. I just love these two. Their story is riveting, with some tension and angst. Of course, there's plenty of doubts and some big obstacles, but I never doubted they'd eventually find their way.

Written in alternating first person pov, both characters fully come to life. Both characters have some issues in their backgrounds that have led them to be the way they are.  

Reckless is a feel-good, wonderful read. I couldn't put this Abby Brooks book down, leaving me reading it late into the night. This is a must read for any fans of brother's best friends romances. 

MF - Campus Hottie (Campus #3) by Jennifer Sucevic

 

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From USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Sucevic comes the next sexy standalone novel in the Campus Series.

Carson Roberts is Western University’s most sought after tight end. He’s the total package. A pretty face to go along with all those sculpted muscles—check. An All-American—double check. A guaranteed one-way ticket to the NFL after graduation—triple check.

Did I happen to mention that he’s also my brother’s best friend, which means I grew up with the guy and have crushed on him for nearly just as long?

We’re talking a decade of unrequited yearning here, folks. Don’t worry, I’m slowly coming to terms with the fact that he’ll never see me as anything more than the little sis he never had.

Sort of.

And even if he did just so happen to notice that I’ve filled out and no longer wear braces, Brayden would have a major conniption. When it comes to the male species, he’s ridiculously overprotective. Any guy who has so much as given me a bit of side-eye has been treated to a swift and memorable beat down.

Which is precisely why I’m still in possession of my V-card.
Want to know how to make being a nineteen-year-old virgin with a major crush on her brother’s best friend even more pathetic?

Blurt out at a frat party that you’ve spent all these years saving yourself for him. Sadly, I can’t even blame it on the alcohol because I don’t drink.

If you’re thinking it can’t possibly get more humiliating than that, you’d be wrong.

Oh. So. Wrong.

*This is a mature New Adult novel with strong language and sexual situations intended for readers over the age of 18*

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Campus Hottie is the third book in the Campus series by Jennifer Sucevic. Each book can be read as a standalone. As one who can't read enough college romances, I absolutely love this series. 

I love everything about this book except the title. Sorry, but Campus Hottie just doesn't set the right tone for this one. As much as we know Carson's a hot, popular football player on campus, that never is really a part of this story. Nor is the fact that he plays sports.

Instead, this story revolves around Carson being in love with his best friend's younger sister, Elle. The majority of this story is about Carson fighting their mutual desire for one another, as he knows Elle's brother would kill him for being with her. 

Their relationship is full of intense attraction, plenty of will they/won't they, hot sex, and sneaking around. And damn, the sex is sizzling! 

These two ooze chemistry and one just can't wait for them to finally give into their desires. And when they do, watch out!

But, good god, Elle is so damn naive. Spending any time with her professor is creepy, but damn, the repeated times with him are just pathetic. This was a forced plot point that never seemed natural to me, but of course, it helped to establish Elle's positive look at the world. 

Campus Hottie is just my kind of book. This Jennifer Sucevic gem is a riveting brother's best friend romance that combines forbidden romance and a ton of heat. I just love it. Definitely pick it up the next time you're in the mood for a college romance. 

The No Strings Theory by Hayden Hall

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

I keep falling for Dallas, and it's not just gravity's fault.

Dallas

Kai’s nothing like I expected.

The scrawny kid I once knew is gone, replaced by a nerdy, curious young man who crawls deep under my skin. The moment he enters my life, he disrupts everything.

I don’t do attachments. I don’t do dates.

There are so many other college guys to keep me distracted.

Yet I can’t get him out of my head.

I shouldn’t want my best friend’s little brother. But I’ve never been great at resisting temptation.

What starts as messing around in secret, soon becomes a lot more serious. I’m gambling my friendship and risking more than I should. But I’m falling, and I’m falling hard.

Kai

I’ve had a crush on Dallas since I was old enough to crush. He’s my oldest fantasy; my only fantasy. He’s also an obnoxious, insufferable, smug jock with the stupidest adorable dimples and a gorgeous… Uh… Where was I?

Oh right, he never noticed me except when I was the punchline of his jokes.

He’s also the very definition of a guy I shouldn’t want. Just ask my big brother; he warned me time and time again not to look up to Dallas. He’d lose his mind if he only knew the things Dallas and I did when the lights were out.

But Dallas and I have an agreement: no strings attached. That way, we get to have fun and nobody needs to know. I get to live out my fantasies, to get them out of my system. No harm done, right?

Yeah. I was dumb enough to think my crush on him wouldn’t come back to life. It’s not gravity that’s pulling me in.
Now I’m falling for him faster and harder than ever despite knowing what’s at stake.

The only way this ends is with a lost friendship and a broken heart.

It’s too late anyway. I’m in free fall already.

The No Strings Theory is the fourth book in College Boys of New Haven series but it can be read on its own. It is a full-length story featuring best friend’s younger brother, forbidden love, nerd/jock relationship, close proximity, and the happiest of endings. Sink your teeth into this sweet and steamy romance

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

The No String Theory is an entertaining romance by Hayden Hall. 

There's plenty going on in this tale, including brother's best friend, roommates, first times, and a friends with benefits arrangement. 

From the start, these two ooze attraction and chemistry. When they finally get together, hot damn! 

I adore the long time crush and I enjoy the way everything evolves between them. I just love their story and it's sweetness. It's always fun seeing a playboy fall in love. 

The No Strings Theory is a great read. This Hayden Hall book is perfect the next time you're in the mood for a brother's best friend romance. 

Two-Man Team (Stick Side #5) by Amy Aislin

 

Amazon Link
Goodreads Link

One wrongful arrest ruined Kris Xappa’s image—and made his NHL team look bad. Now, with orders to keep his head down, the last thing he needs is to develop feelings for his younger teammate—and best friend’s brother. The fact that he can’t stop thinking about their one illicit kiss doesn’t mean anything.

Rory Stanton is perfectly capable of taking care of himself and doesn’t need his brother’s best friend keeping an eye on him. Sure, he likes having Kris’s attention, but he’d rather have it for entirely different reasons. Too bad that one kiss they shared wasn’t enough to convince Kris to take a chance on him.

When an injury lands Rory in Kris’s care, will these teammates be able to see past the obstacles to become a two-man team?

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Two Man Team is the fifth book in the Stick Side series. This Amy Aislin book is easily read as a standalone. 

There's a lot going on in this romance. It's a sports romance featuring two hockey players with a teammates and best friend's brother element. 

I adore the relationship between the two. They've known each other growing up, but the age gap was large enough to keep them from hanging out or fully knowing one another. I am an avid fan of this type of story, and this one was as enjoyable as I was hoping.

Rory and Kris are wonderful together. I adore every moment of their story. It's cute, sweet, and emotional. They are a lovable couple for sure, with awesome dynamics between them.

I love that one of the men is pansexual, and the way he talks about it. Love it!

There are some serious elements explored throughout, including the problems of being in the spotlight. The author excels in illustrating the way rumors and stories spread quickly. I appreciate the way she accurately nails that news stories aren't always true, and that public opinion can be based on inaccurate rumors. And, damn it, I love the way the children understand reality better than the adults. 

Two Man Team is a fabulous addition to this series. I am a sports romance junkie and absolutely love these Amy Aislin books. 

RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - Rules of Play (The Script Club #2) by Lane Hayes

 

Title: Rules of Play

Series: The Script Club #2

Author: Lane Hayes

Publisher: Lane Hayes

Release Date: July 16, 2021

Heat Level: 4 - Lots of Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 53K

Genre: Romance, Brother's Best Friend, Geek/Jock, Friends to Lovers, Bisexual-awakening, Contemporary MM Romance

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The genius, the mechanic, and a new playbook…

George-

My brother’s friend is hot. If you’re into flannel-wearing lumbersexual former jocks who eat donuts for dinner and still scribble to-do lists on their palms. I’m not. I’m a serious scientist in my final of grad school. Okay, I admit I have few quirks of my own. I also have a broken truck and a boss who thinks I can help him find love. I’m in over my head. Help!

Aiden-

A few quirks? Really? George the weirdest dude I know. He wears capes in public, brings a book everywhere he goes, and loves all thing spooky. He’s also the smartest person on the planet—who somehow thinks I can help him write a How-To-Get-A-Date playbook for his boss. Yeah, that sounds suspicious. I know baseball; I don’t know anything about love. But I can’t say no. I’ve always had a soft spot for George. I just didn’t count on falling for my best friend’s nerdy brother. This is against the rules, isn’t it?

Rules of Play is an MM bisexual awakening story where opposites attract and shenanigans ensue!

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My Rating - 5 Stars!

Oh how I love this book! Rules of Play is an absolutely delicious brother's best friend romance with a major nerd/jock aspect. The second book of Lane Hayes' The Script Club, I love it all. 

First of all, there's George. He's a geek who wears capes in public, and smart to the core. I adore him. Completely. He simply charms the reader throughout. 

And then there's the sexual awakening theme which is wonderfully done. These two have known one another forever, and I simply love how they mesh so well. Their journey from friends to lovers is heartwarming and beautiful. 

Their story is full of some homophobia and hard to read comments. It's loaded with emotion and plenty of steamy scenes. Seriously, these two are amazing together. 

Written in alternating first person pov, everything about these characters fully come alive. The reader easily understands the men; both their attractions and conflicts. I wouldn't change anything. The pace and storyline are great, and the epilogue is perfect!

Rules of Play is a must read if you love to devour brother's best friends romances as much as I do. Everything about this Lane Hayes read is riveting and charming. I love it and can't wait to read it again. 

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“The Script Club?”

I grimaced. “Well, yeah. That name came later.”

“You really are a little weirdo, aren’t you?”

The twinkle in Aiden's eyes and his affectionate tone paired with an unlikely term of endearment were exactly what I needed to pull me from my infatuation-induced awkwardness.

I smacked his biceps playfully, then leaned against his side, staring up at the crescent moon in the twilight sky. “I am weird and I am proud.”

Aiden chuckled. “I like that about you. I like your idea too. It’s a good one. I should get in on that and collect a few new experiences before I quit the garage and move on to my next venture.”

“What would you do? I mean, what would you want to try?”

“I don’t know. Maybe something will come to me.” He set the half-eaten container of meatballs down and reached for his beer. “As for your boss…he needs a rule book.”

I shifted to face him. “What kind of rule book?”

“A dating rule book. It would be the equivalent of a sports playbook…a list of strategies and a backup plan if things go awry.”

“Okay, that makes sense. Step one, ask for a date.”

Aiden shook his head. “No. Don’t go in hot. Gotta practice a little finesse. It’s better to get to know someone—ask about their interests, share yours, and see if there’s anything there. Theoretically, that’s how I think it should work.”

“You’re right. They have to build a rapport.” I squinted. “He’s going to need an icebreaker.”

“Yeah, that makes sense. Hit me with your best shot.”

“Uh…what do you mean?” I stammered.

“Pretend you’re into me and you want to get to know me.” Aiden quirked a brow and wiggled his fingers. “Ask me something.”

“What are your interests?”

He made an obnoxious buzzer noise and rolled his eyes. “Wrong. That’s a date question. A lame one, too. Would you really walk up to someone and ask them what they’re into?”

“No, of course not.”

“Redo. You’re trying to get to know me, but you can’t be too forward, and you can’t make assumptions. Got it?” He waited for my nod of agreement and continued. “Pretend we’re standing at the coffee machine at work on a Monday morning. And…action.”

“O-kay…what did you do last weekend?”

Aiden smiled. “Good one. And my answer…not much. I went to that college ball game I told you about last week, watched a lot of basketball, made arrangements to schlep your Bronco here, and played pool with Kenny and a couple of high school buddies. You?”

“I studied and hung out with my friends.”

He stared at me long enough for me to wonder if I had meatball between my teeth.

“If that’s all you have to say, you just killed this conversation,” he deadpanned.

I chuckled. “I did not. It was your turn to ask <em>me</em> something. That’s how it works in real life. I’m not that big of a dork!”

“But what about your boss?”

Good point. “Newton is a big dork. Very big.”

“Right, so this is where rules come into play. You have to pay attention and take hints and clues to heart. Almost everything I mentioned about my weekend had a theme…sports. I told you what I’m interested in without announcing, ‘I like sports.’ If you really wanted to get in my pants, you’d ask me a sports-related question.”

I shot to my feet, whirling my cape like a true badass. “Who said anything about getting in your pants?”

Yes, I was entirely in favor of the idea, but I was pretty sure I hadn’t said it aloud.

“Isn’t that the end game?” Aiden flashed a devilish grin my way.

“No! I mean, maybe for you, but not for Newton. I don’t think he’s hoping for sex.”

“Then what’s the point?”

“Love!”

Aiden widened his eyes comically. “What’s that?”

“I don’t know,” I sighed in defeat, reclaiming my spot on the stoop next to him. “That’s why this is complicated.”

Purchase at Amazon

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Lane Hayes loves a good romance! An avid reader from an early age, she has always been drawn to well-told love story with beautifully written characters. Her debut novel was a 2013 Rainbow Award finalist and subsequent books have received Honorable Mentions, and were winners in the 2016, 2017, and 2018-2019 Rainbow Awards. She loves red wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband in a not quite empty nest.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Bookbub

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Did you miss book 1 in the series?  Get Following the Rules at Amazon

The geek, the jock, and a new set of rules…

My Review

Also available in Audio

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RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - Keeping Kellan by Amy Aislin

Release Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway:
Keeping Kellan
By Amy Aislin

Keeping Him, Book 2

Brant Harkrader is done living by other peoples’ rules. He may not know exactly what he wants out of life, but he’s perfectly happy letting that question figure itself out while starting a new job as a tour guide.

Too bad the one thing he does want—his sister’s BFF—only sees him as a little brother.

Or so he thinks…

Kellan Shelby-Briggs has never shied away from going after what he wants. And what he wants is the important contract that will put his brand new company on the map—and Brant.

Too bad Kellan’s career keeps yanking him away just as things heat up between them.

Now that Brant is back in town—up close and personal in Kell's living space—can they finally get the timing right to go after the love that has eluded them both for too long?

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My Rating - 5 Stars!

Keeping Kellen is a great read by Amy Aislin. The second book in the Keeping Him series, it's easily read as a standalone.

This book had me excited from the start. Best friend's brother! My favorite trope. 

Brandt's back home, staying with his friend, Kellen. 

The history of these two is well established, with the strength of their friendship easy to feel. 

They're super cute together and I adore seeing them make the little moves necessary to form a romantic relationship.

This is a story with work issues, family issues, and some major decisions.  The group of friends and family add tremendously to the story. 

Keeping Kellen is an adorable read. This Amy Aislin tale is fairly easy going, and it's a delightful read. I enjoyed it all. 

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“Brant.” Wendy pulled her shell-shocked brother into a hug, her very pregnant belly getting in the way. Maggie’s screaming intensified as she was squished between her mom and her uncle.

Brant winced as she wailed in his ear. “Hey,” he said weakly.

“Pew, pew.”

“Sorry I couldn’t come pick you up. I had to get the twins from day camp and Nick won’t be home for another hour.”

“It’s all good.” Brant nodded at Kellan. “Kell found me.”

Wendy swept her gaze up and down Brant’s tall frame. Since the Harkrader siblings were otherwise occupied, Kellan allowed himself to do the same.

Even dressed down in loose sweatpants and a wrinkled T-shirt, Brant looked like an athlete. At six feet tall, Kellan was only about an inch or so taller than him, but Brant had him beat on muscle mass. Kellan used the home gym in his basement on an almost daily basis; still, Brant’s wide shoulders, narrow hips, and defined biceps said jock in a way that Kellan’s own body said works out only as much as he has to, to stay fit and attract a mate.

Yes, it was super shallow, he was aware. But that was the dating game, wasn’t it?

It was one of the reasons he avoided the dating scene—it was all so superficial.

Not that he’d had the opportunity to date since moving back home from Vancouver last summer—or the interest, if he was honest. He’d had enough to do with getting his business off the ground. And considering how spectacularly his reputation had been shot at his last job, building it into a successful one was more important than ever.

So really, the only reason he worked out at this point was because it had become a habit.

He supposed there were worse ones.

“Your hair’s so long,” Wendy said, giving the strands sticking out the bottom of Brant’s hat a tug. “What do they call this in the hockey world? Flow? You need a haircut, my friend.”

“Uh . . .”

“Pew, pew.”

“Joey, have you said hello to your uncles?”

“Yup!”

Maggie chose that moment to spit up all over herself.

“Aw, Mags.” Wendy kissed her forehead. “Let’s get you cleaned up.”

She disappeared into the laundry room, where Kellan knew she kept spare clothes for all three kids for just such an occasion.

Brant stared after her, blank-faced.

Kellan leaned closer to him. “You know you can always stay with me, right?” He’d even offered when Brant had announced, less than two weeks ago, that he was moving back.

Unblinking, Brant turned his stare in his direction.

“No screaming children.”

Brant whimpered.

Amused by the whole situation, Kellan bumped their shoulders. “Think about it.”

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Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of Keeping Kellan, Amy is giving away a signed copy of Keeping Kellan to one lucky winner!
Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

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Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c8c1c64119/

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Amy's lived with her head in the clouds since she first picked up a book as a child, and being fluent in two languages means she's read a lot of books! She first picked up a pen on a rainy day in fourth grade when her class had to stay inside for recess. Tales of treasure hunts with her classmates eventually morphed into love stories between men, and she's been writing ever since. She writes evenings and weekends—or whenever she isn't at her full-time day job saving the planet at Canada's largest environmental non-profit.

An unapologetic introvert, Amy reads too much and socializes too little, with no regrets. She loves connecting with readers. Join her Facebook Group, Amy Aislin’s Readers, to stay up-to-date on upcoming releases and for access to early teasers, find her on Instagram and Twitter, or sign up for her newsletter.

Connect with Amy:
Website: amyaislin.com
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