He’s a rock star with stage fright. She’s a therapist with a dangerous secret…
Sebastian Roe was shot onstage during a concert five years ago, sending him into a creative tailspin and leaving him with a deep fear of performing. But his love of music is too strong to keep him off a stage forever, despite the fact the police never caught the gunman. He just needs a little help getting back in front of an audience, and figures announcing a U.S. tour will force him back onstage. Unfortunately, it’s bringing up his worst nightmare and puts his sold-out comeback tour in jeopardy.
Mia Merrill was in the audience the night of Sebastian’s fateful concert. She loves his music and wants to help him overcome his PTSD and get him back onstage, but there’s another reason she’s determined to become his therapist.
She’s the reason he was shot.
Driven by guilt and a need to atone, Mia takes Sebastian on as a patient. Romantic sparks fly between the two during their therapy sessions, but no sooner do they start to make progress on Sebastian’s stage fright than the gunman announces he’s back to finish the job.
Rock Star is a fast-paced forbidden romance that takes a realistic approach to what life can be like for someone famous. I thought the plot was original, and I really liked the concept. I mean, it’s not every day that you come across a rock star who’s been lost ever since he was shot and is struggling to find his way back to music. And what better way to help a struggling artist? Bring in a stunning therapist who brings him back to life in more ways than one…
I thought Mia and Bash were a great match. Both of them were plagued by their pasts. He’s damaged, and she’s the only one who can fix him. The chemistry between them just oozes off the pages. However, any type of relationship between them, while Bash was a patient, would only end in disaster, especially if the secret Mia is hiding comes to light.
Overall, I thought this was a realistic and entertaining read. This is one of those books that’s got something for everyone. I mean, you can’t go wrong with romance, steam, and a little mystery in between.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
When Jacob Sullivan’s grandfather passes away, he leaves the high life behind to honor his grandfather’s final wish: spend one month in his vacation home and decide if it’s worth keeping. However, Jacob never expected to find Iris Flynn, a mysterious woman determined to forget her past. Pre-order this steamy, small-town, enemies-to-lovers romance from Tricia T. LaRochelle today!
Title: Let Me Go
Author: Tricia T. LaRochelle
Release Date: 06/24/2025
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Page Count: Approximately 300 pages
Tropes: Second Chance Romance, Small Town Romance, Secret Past, Enemies to Lovers, Forbidden Love, Small Town Secrets, Domineering Man
Blurb
Jacob “JC” Sullivan is living the high life in New York City, where his stockbroker career has earned him everything he ever wanted—except someone to share it with. A childhood shaped by his parents’ toxic marriage has left him convinced that love is a trap. But when his grandfather passes away and leaves him a vacation home in the quiet town of Buckingham, Vermont, JC reluctantly follows through on his final wish: spend one month there and decide if it’s worth keeping.
What JC doesn’t expect to find is Iris Flynn—a mysterious woman living in isolation with a past she’s determined to forget. Her beauty and guarded nature intrigue him, but it’s only when he witnesses the threats from locals targeting her that he’s forced to confront the undeniable chemistry between them. As they become closer, JC starts to see that his life in the city, filled with fleeting relationships and shallow success, has left him empty.
Iris, scarred by mistakes from her teenage years, has spent too much time running from her past, but JC makes her want to face those truths she’s so skillfully buried. Together, they discover that healing begins when you let go of your fears—and gamble on each other. But their growing connection threatens dark forces determined to keep Iris alone.
Let Me Go is a heart-wrenching, emotional journey about love, redemption, and the courage to forgive—not just others, but yourself.
Since she was a little girl, award-winning author Tricia T. LaRochelle has been obsessed with tragic love stories. No beach reads for her. Bring on the grit with a double side of turmoil. She likes to feel the character’s anguish as they fight to overcome obstacles to be together. Growing up in central Vermont, she has seen her share of tragedy but remains a hopeful romantic. She now lives in central Virginia, where she continues to foster the possibilities of how love can conquer all.
Flickering Heart, part of her Sara Browne series, won a Gold Medal in the 2023 Readers’ Favorite Contest for New Adult and was a first-place winner in the 2022 Incipere Awards for romance. Revive received an Honorable Mention in the 2022 Incipere Awards for romance in the same series. Her stand-alone contemporary, Sun in My Heart, won second place in the 2024 Bookfest Awards for Romance-Contemporary Romance-New Adult and a Bronze Medal in the 2024 Readers’ Favorite Contest for New Adult Fiction. Her next installment in the Sara Browne Series, Bleeding Heart – A Holiday Romance launches December, 3rd 2024.
Subscribe to her newsletter at tricialarochelle.com and receive updates and opportunities to win prizes or follow her on X, Threads, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or Pinterest.
Vampires showed up, took over, and turned the whole planet into their personal all-you-can-drink buffet. The president? Bloodsucker. The government? Bloodsuckers. My social life? Absolutely nonexistent.
But hey, at least I had one thing going for me—slayer training. My twin sister, Ripley, and I were about to go pro, officially joining the ranks of the last people on earth who actually do something about the whole “undead overlords” situation.
And then X had to show up. The vampire boogeyman. The worst of the worst. And instead of killing Ripley, like any decent monster would, he turned her. Now she’s technically a vamp, but something tells me my sister is still in there. Which means I can’t slay her.
What can I do? Break every rule. Lie to my friends. Strike a deal with the most dangerous vampire on the X will protect Ripley from everyone else who wants her dead—like, really dead—until I can snag the cure for vampirism. The catch? Risking my own head to help him free his good-for-nothing BFF from the very slayers who taught me everything.
If I want Ripley back, I’m going to have to play nice with the thing that ruined my life. And the worst part?
The Ground That Devours Us is a fantastic debut young adult novel. This book is refreshing, well-written, and entertaining. I loved the unique plot and the vampire/dystopian combination. Add in some action, betrayal, and an unexpected romance, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for a good time.
I look forward to reading more from this author in the future!
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book via the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review *
The ballet performance of my life ends with a forbidden auction and my older brother’s best friend as the highest bidder. I’ll do whatever it takes to protect my family, even if it means losing myself to the reclusive billionaire. Readers who enjoy enemies to lovers and dark billionaire romances will devour Empire of Ache & Ruin by Diana A. Hicks, a steamy, beauty and the beast retelling.
I had the pleasure of beta-reading this book and think readers are in for a real treat. Empire of Ache & Ruin isn’t your mama’s Beauty and the Beast retelling. This story has fire, passion, betrayal, and revenge. You will be taken on a wild and frustrating ride, and that will test your limits and keep you on your toes.
The fire and chemistry between Paloma and Archer oozed off the pages. They frustrated me at times, but I couldn’t get enough. I was completely invested and couldn’t wait to see how their story would play out.
Empire of Ache & Ruin is a sexy and compelling read with cameos and wonderful characters you’ll love to hate and a cliffhanger ending that will leave you begging for more. I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
*Thank you to the author for the opportunity to beta read an early copy of this book*
Excerpt
Copyright 2025, Diana A. Hicks
“So good.” He releases me from my binding.
My legs are jelly at this point. I drop, but he catches me before I hit the floor. A wave of ecstasy lingers at my core as he scoops me into his arms. My cheek lands on the bit of his exposed skin, and I melt into him. I’m floating, still riding the high even though he already took the swan away.
I lift my head as he takes the stairs down to the second level. He’s taking me back to my room. I should object. But what can I expect? That just because I let him do all those things to me, he would change his mind about what I am to him?
Wife.
His word echoes in my head.
I want to fight him, push him away, and tell him I don’t need his help. But there’s no point. The all-powerful Mr. Archer get whatever he wants. I let him carry me to my bed. Once I’m on top of the covers, he removes my shoes and my jeans. And then it hits me. He brought me here without my top.
“Get under the covers.” He lifts the duvet. “I want you to sleep like this. Naked. Do you understand?”
I nod and do as he says, too tired to argue with him. As soon as my head lands on the soft pillow, I doze off. My eyes flutter open, then they close, and then, I’m in my favorite dream—the one where Archer guards my sleep, filling all the empty spaces in my room with his raw energy.
“Stay away from me, Little Dove.” His hand hovers over my cheek. “I’m exactly the monster you think I am.”
“You’re not a monster.” I turn on my side, curling my body toward the edge of the mattress. When I glance up at him, he’s gone.
I sit up, my heart racing.
I look to every corner, but all I find are shadows that don’t match his. Did I dream the whole thing? I squeeze my legs together, and my overly sensitive bud reacts as if it’s ready for another round. I peek at the nightstand and all the colors dancing on the facets of the crystal swan. Tears roll down my cheeks.
Archer is real. Just like his resolution to stay away from me.
“I’m your wife, you idiot.” I punch the pillow next to me. “I’m not your enemy.”
About Diana A. Hicks
Diana A. Hicks is an award-winning author of steamy romantic suspense and science-fiction romance.
When Diana is not writing, she enjoys hot yoga, kickboxing, traveling, and indulging in the simple joys of life like wine and chocolate. She lives in Atlanta and loves spending time with her two children and husband. Connect with Diana on social media to stay up to date on her latest releases.
Praise for Diana A. Hicks:
“Hicks’ first installment of her Desert Monsoon series is confident and assured with strong storytelling, nuanced characters, and a dynamic blend of romance and suspense…A sexy and irresistible tale for fans of contemporary romance.” – Kirkus Reviews
The ballet performance of my life ends with a forbidden auction and my older brother’s best friend as the highest bidder. I’ll do whatever it takes to protect my family, even if it means losing myself to the reclusive billionaire. Readers who enjoy enemies to lovers and dark billionaire romances will devour Empire of Ache & Ruin by Diana A. Hicks, a steamy, beauty and the beast retelling.
Blurb
While I stand in darkness, she holds the light…
The ballet performance of my life ends with a forbidden auction.
My older brother’s best friend is the highest bidder.
Now he’s here to claim his prize…me.
But the reclusive billionaire is no knight in shining armor.
Though I’m drawn to him, I know something sinister lurks beneath his steel blue eyes.
I must protect my family, even if it means losing myself in the process.
I want to devour her right here and now. But the pout of her lips seems, for lack of a better word, inexperienced. Or is that what I paid for? She’s so experienced at fucking men, she’s able to fool me into this fantasy where I’m the predator, and she’s my prey.
“I do too.” I finish the rest of my drink.
When I reach for her waist, her eyes widen in surprise. Her mouth forms a perfect “o” as she lets me guide her toward me. A willing participant, I fall for her game. I pull her gently toward me, and she delicately surrenders to my embrace. She trembles fisting the sleeve of my suit jacket. My cock fucking loves it.
Yes, I want to ravage her, to tear up her expensive dress, and suck on her tits until she comes. But I want this game too. I want her desire to boil over. I want her to beg for me.
Gently, I place my index finger under her chin and press my mouth to hers. Fucking ecstasy. She moans quietly and melts in my arms. I take her surrender as an invitation to coax her velvet tongue to meet mine. She tastes like whiskey and green apples. When her lips part to let me in, I deepen the kiss, claiming her mouth the way I plan to plunder her cunt in the next five minutes.
“I don’t think I did enough.” She pulls away, panting to catch her breath. “How are you still standing?”
Her words are like a spell. She’s no innocent maiden. She is a witch. My body knows what’s happening to me, but my brain and my cock are still hung up on her, refusing to see the truth. I fall to the floor with a heavy thud, and still, I can’t form the thought in my head.
“Little Dove,” I mumble.
She poisoned me?
I lie on the soft carpet unable to move, staring up at her. Her eyes go big like saucers in surprise or trepidation. I can’t fucking tell the difference anymore.
“Let’s go,” a male voice calls from somewhere near the door. “Now. Who knows how long the effects will last. He’s a beast.”
“I’m coming.” She touches her fingers to her lips. She looks lost and confused.
You can drop the act, Little Dove.
I glare at her with all the contempt I can muster.
“Why did you kiss him?” the man asks.
“I don’t know.” She smooths out her dress, her eyes never leaving mine. “Get the money.”
Diana A. Hicks is an award-winning author of steamy romantic suspense and science-fiction romance.
When Diana is not writing, she enjoys hot yoga, kickboxing, traveling, and indulging in the simple joys of life like wine and chocolate. She lives in Atlanta and loves spending time with her two children and husband. Connect with Diana on social media to stay up to date on her latest releases.
Praise for Diana A. Hicks:
“Hicks’ first installment of her Desert Monsoon series is confident and assured with strong storytelling, nuanced characters, and a dynamic blend of romance and suspense…A sexy and irresistible tale for fans of contemporary romance.” – Kirkus Reviews
P. Rayne has revealed the cover for Ruining Hattie!
Releasing: July 17, 2025
Cover Designer and Photographer: Regina Wamba
A man with no limits is the most dangerous kind of threat.
When Trent Clarke caught me picking pockets at eleven, he didn’t turn me in. Instead, he took me under his wing and taught me that in this world, you take what you want and never look back.
He might have shaped me, but I built my empire of the most successful string of strip clubs on the West Coast.
Now that I have everything, it’s time to track down my deadbeat mother and remind her who she left behind. That is if the drugs didn’t kill her already.
But I don’t find the worn-down shell of the woman I remember. Instead, she has all the things she never managed to give me—the white picket fence, a family dog, even church on Sunday mornings.
The real kicker? She replaced me and raised the perfect daughter with all the care and love she never gave me.
A twisted need for revenge roars to life inside me, and I aim it at my mother’s precious stepdaughter—sweet, sheltered Hattie Sinclair.
At first, it’s purely about vengeance, pulling Hattie into the darkness to watch her innocence unravel piece by piece. But she becomes something more. Something dangerous. Something I can’t resist.
He’ll protect his best friend’s baby sister from anything…other than himself.
Wildest Dreams, an all-new enemies-to-lovers, best friend’s little sister, billionaire romance from New York Times bestselling author L.J. Shen is now available!
Rhyland
Dylan Casablancas is a forbidden fruit,
Undeniably delicious, but one bite just might kill you.
She’s my best friend’s baby sister, a single mom, and a royal pain in the ass.
When Little Miss Baggage moves downstairs to house-sit her brother’s Manhattan apartment, my potential business partner mistakes us as a couple.
He wants a family guy.
I want access to his billions.
And Dylan?
She needs a big, burly guy to scare off her loser ex.
Pretending to be engaged to the feisty girl next door gets messy when I take a bite of the illicit apple.
What can I say? I’m an instant gratification kind of guy.
We made a deal to walk out of each other’s lives once my contract is signed.
The only problem?
She might take my heart with her when she leaves.
Dylan
Rhyland Coltridge is out of the question.
Unless the answer is: “Who’s the biggest man-whore you’ve ever met?”
Hedonistic. Wild card. Utterly corrupt.
And those are just the traits the jerk prides himself on.
My life is too messy for a boyfriend. Even if it wasn’t, Rhyland would be the last man I’d consider.
He is supposed to be my ticket out of this nightmare.
But he’s fast becoming my wildest, most dangerous dream.
Author’s note: this is an enemies-to-lovers, fake engagement standalone with an alpha hero and a feisty heroine. Please check trigger warnings before reading.
Blinking away the tears, I stumbled toward the figure holding my child. More specifically, the man suspending her by the ankles, gently shaking her body as if she were a newly torn piñata. “Where’s the candy?” His deep, dark drawl rumbled. No baby talk for him. “I know you have some. Don’t play.”
“I don’t!” Gravity giggled, trying to kick the air, arms flailing. “I ate it all on the way here.”
Snitch.
“I suppose I’ll just have to eat you then.”
Another fit of giggles. “Nooo, Uncle Rhyrand. Mommy won’t let you! She woves me!”
My heart finally slowed. I wiped my clammy hands on my sweatshirt, feigning nonchalance as I joined them on the sidewalk.
Them being my daughter and Rhyland Coltridge.
Rhyland Coltridge being my brother’s best friend.
A man-whore.
A cocky bastard who knew he was God’s best creation to date.
A debauched, selfish piece of work clad in a Prada suit.
Too bad that piece of work was a masterpiece.
Rhyland put the “fun” in “dysfunctional.” He was a menace who got a free pass for all his faults through his striking exterior. His princely features included six feet and four inches of bronze, taut, flawlessly muscled body, gold-spun hair the color of an endless wheat field, and eyes as green and bright as the shiniest emeralds. Everything about him, from his cruelly sharp jawline, cartoonishly high cheekbones, and full lips to his straight nose, screamed perfection.
And we hated each other.
Actually, he couldn’t muster enough shits to have any kind of strong feelings about me or anyone else. It was one of the reasons I detested him. He was living, breathing proof that you could live with no heart inside your chest.
“Hello, Rhyland.” I strode toward him, putting my fake bravado on like it was a fancy hat.
“Hello, fuckup,” he parried tonelessly, hoisting my child onto his arm and leveling me with an acutely bored glance. He wore a coin pendant on a plain black chain on his neck. Still. He’d been carrying that shit around since we were practically teens. I would ask what it meant, but I’d never really cared.
“Watch your mouth in front of my child,” I warned him coolly.
“Mommy said ‘fuck’ in the car,” Gravity provided cheerfully, giggling.
Traitor.
“It’s called wishful thinking, kid.” Rhyland flashed a predatory canine smile that made my bones freeze a little.
He wasn’t pretty-boy sexy. He was half-Viking, half-Hozier sexy.
The honking intensified into one long blare that just kept on going. We both ignored it.
Rhyland gave me a withering look. “Pull yourself together, Casablancas. Your kid could’ve died.” He sneered. “While you’re at it, take her back. I’m not a babysitter.”
That was all it took for me to officially and finally lose it.
MY REVIEW
It’s been a hot minute since I’ve read an LJ Shen book, but let me tell you, Wildest Dreams does not disappoint!
Dylan Casablancas is everything Ryland could ever want in a woman, there’s just one little problem. Dylan is Ryland’s best friend’s little sister. Staying away from her should be easy, but when a series of events puts Dylan on his path and forces an unexpected agreement, all bets are off.
Dylan was a force to be reckoned with. She was fierce, determined, and stubborn as heck. As a single mom, she was used to putting everyone else first and going it alone, but Ryland put a wrench in her carefully crafted plans. Going to New York was supposed to be a fresh start for Dylan. The last thing she expected was to find herself in a fake relationship with the one person she loathed. But, you know what they say, all that hate has got to lead to some extraordinary passion. That brings us to Ryland. Ryland is best known as a heartless playboy who only thinks of himself. But when he finds himself in an unexpected situation, he’s forced to make some changes. As the story progresses, you quickly see that there is more to Ryland than what meets the eye. His character experienced a TON of growth going from a playboy without a care in the world to a man who would give his heart and soul to those who mean something to him.
What I loved about these characters was that they weren’t afraid to be themselves. They are who they are and aren’t afraid to own up to their past mistakes. Dylan and Ryland were equally stubborn and some of the most entertaining banter. I loved Dylan’s sass and that she wouldn’t let Ryland get away with anything. And their chemistry…..Not only was it off the charts, but it just oozed off the pages and left you begging for more. Oh, I can’t forget about Gravity. This little girl stole my heart and gave Ryland a run for his money. Let’s just say when it comes to Gravity, Ryland has definitely met his match.
Wildest Dreams is a fantastic brother’s best friend, forbidden romance. I was utterly captivated by the entertaining characters and writing style. I loved the romance, the angst, and the drama. The will they/won’t they moments left me breathless with anticipation and hanging on each and every word. And as a Swifty, I appreciated all the music/song references.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
For more information about L.J. Shen and her books, visit her website:
He’ll protect his best friend’s baby sister from anything…other than himself.
Rhyland
Dylan Casablancas is a forbidden fruit, undeniably delicious, but one bite just might kill you. She’s my best friend’s baby sister, a single mom, and a royal pain in the ass. When Little Miss Baggage moves downstairs to house-sit her brother’s Manhattan apartment, my potential business partner mistakes us as a couple. He wants a family guy. I want access to his billions. And Dylan? She needs a big, burly guy to scare off her loser ex. Pretending to be engaged to the feisty girl next door gets messy when I take a bite of the illicit apple. What can I say? I’m an instant gratification kind of guy. We made a deal to walk out of each other’s lives once my contract is signed. The only problem? She might take my heart with her when she leaves.
Dylan
Rhyland Coltridge is out of the question. Unless the answer is: “Who’s the biggest man-whore you’ve ever met?” Hedonistic. Wild card. Utterly corrupt. And those are just the traits the jerk prides himself on. My life is too messy for a boyfriend. Even if it wasn’t, Rhyland would be the last man I’d consider. He is supposed to be my ticket out of this nightmare. But he’s fast becoming my wildest, most dangerous dream.
Author’s note: this is an enemies-to-lovers, fake engagement standalone with an alpha hero and a feisty heroine. Please check trigger warnings before reading.
It’s been a hot minute since I’ve read an LJ Shen book, but let me tell you, Wildest Dreams does not disappoint!
Dylan Casablancas is everything Ryland could ever want in a woman, there’s just one little problem. Dylan is Ryland’s best friend’s little sister. Staying away from her should be easy, but when a series of events puts Dylan on his path and forces an unexpected agreement, all bets are off.
Dylan was a force to be reckoned with. She was fierce, determined, and stubborn as heck. As a single mom, she was used to putting everyone else first and going it alone, but Ryland put a wrench in her carefully crafted plans. Going to New York was supposed to be a fresh start for Dylan. The last thing she expected was to find herself in a fake relationship with the one person she loathed. But, you know what they say, all that hate has got to lead to some extraordinary passion. That brings us to Ryland. Ryland is best known as a heartless playboy who only thinks of himself. But when he finds himself in an unexpected situation, he’s forced to make some changes. As the story progresses, you quickly see that there is more to Ryland than what meets the eye. His character experienced a TON of growth going from a playboy without a care in the world to a man who would give his heart and soul to those who mean something to him.
What I loved about these characters was that they weren’t afraid to be themselves. They are who they are and aren’t afraid to own up to their past mistakes. Dylan and Ryland were equally stubborn and some of the most entertaining banter. I loved Dylan’s sass and that she wouldn’t let Ryland get away with anything. And their chemistry…..Not only was it off the charts, but it just oozed off the pages and left you begging for more. Oh, I can’t forget about Gravity. This little girl stole my heart and gave Ryland a run for his money. Let’s just say when it comes to Gravity, Ryland has definitely met his match.
Wildest Dreams is a fantastic brother’s best friend, forbidden romance. I was utterly captivated by the entertaining characters and writing style. I loved the romance, the angst, and the drama. The will they/won’t they moments left me breathless with anticipation and hanging on each and every word. And as a Swifty, I appreciated all the music/song references.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
For more information about L.J. Shen and her books, visit her website:
Join us for the cover reveal of Empire of Ache & Ruin by Diana A. Hicks. Fans who love Beauty and the Beast Re-tellings will sink their teeth into this sexy, enemies-to-lovers, dark billionaire romance. Keep scrolling for more details about this sexy cover.
Title: Empire of Ache & Ruin
Author: Diana A. Hicks
Release Date: May 6, 2025
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Tropes: Beauty and the Beast Re-telling, Forbidden Virgin Auction, Dark Billionaire Romance, Enemies to Lovers, Possessive Alpha, Revenge, Brother’s Best Friend, Forced Proximity, Shared Trauma
While I stand in darkness, she holds the light…
The ballet performance of my life ends with a forbidden auction.
My older brother’s best friend is the highest bidder.
Now he’s here to claim his prize…me.
But the reclusive billionaire is no knight in shining armor.
Though I’m drawn to him, I know something sinister lurks beneath his steel blue eyes.
I must protect my family, even if it means losing myself in the process.
Diana A. Hicks is an award-winning author of steamy romantic suspense and science-fiction romance.
When Diana is not writing, she enjoys hot yoga, kickboxing, traveling, and indulging in the simple joys of life like wine and chocolate. She lives in Atlanta and loves spending time with her two children and husband. Connect with Diana on social media to stay up to date on her latest releases.
Praise for Diana A. Hicks:
“Hicks’ first installment of her Desert Monsoon series is confident and assured with strong storytelling, nuanced characters, and a dynamic blend of romance and suspense…A sexy and irresistible tale for fans of contemporary romance.” – Kirkus Reviews
Politician and senate hopeful Bennett Browning knows nothing about babies. When his former girlfriend dies and leaves him with a daughter he knew nothing about, he’s left scrambling until he meets Emma Kuan, his daughter’s aunt, who volunteers to be the nanny. Emma is used to keeping secrets. She and her sister have always hidden their tragic past, but she’s stunned her sister hid the baby even from her. Meeting her niece captures her heart, and she would do anything to be with her, even living with a stranger. Worried about potential scandal, Bennett and Emma juggle jobs, living arrangements, and parenting until a doctor gives them bad news about their baby girl. Then their priorities change drastically.
If you’re looking for a sweet beach read, Scandalous in Huntington Beach is just the read you’re looking for.
Senate hopeful Bennett Browning’s life is turned upside down when his former girlfriend dies and leaves him with a daughter he knew nothing about. He’s trying his best and couldn’t be more grateful when his daughter’s aunt, Emma, steps in to be the nanny. Together, Bennett and Emma juggle jobs, living arrangements, and even parenting.
Overall, I thought this book was a quick and easy read. Despite being thrown for a loop that he has a secret daughter, Bennett really takes it all in stride and is one devoted father. Emma was totally enamored when she met her niece. I loved how willing she was to step in and help. I also really loved the connection and bond she formed with Bennett.
As far as pacing goes, I would say the pacing of this story falls somewhere in the middle. It wasn’t crazy slow, but it wasn’t fast either; which in this situation worked really well.
All in all, I found Scandalous in Huntington Beach to be a solid read. This is the third book in the Love is a Beach series and can be read and enjoyed as a standalone novel. If you’re a fan of second chance, marriage of convenience stories that focus on resilience and healing, you won’t want to miss this sweet read.
This is my first book by this author and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
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