If you've read any of Aurora Rose Reynolds "Until" books then you know they always have a hot alpha male, and are really fun to read. With Boom Factory Publishing, she's expanded her universe to have other authors write standalone, but connecting in some way or another (either location or previous characters) romances in the same universe.  This is a great idea - building off of her success while at the same time spotlighting different writers.  It also gives fans little snippets of the stories they love from the Until series - great marketing and everybody wins. I was excited to dive into this universe again with Until Sadie, by new-to-me author Sarah Curtis.  Curtis didn't disappoint.  This book had the same fun, romancy elements as other books in the Happily Ever Alpha world, with a sexy alpha male in the form of Dean.  It also had the boom factor - if you've read any books in this world than you know the idea of boom - getting hit with insta-love when you find your significant other - and just knowing that she is the one. Such a sweet concept.

When Dean meets Sadie, he is struck hard and he just knows that he has to make her his.  Unfortunately, his life is a bit complicated at the moment and he doesn't want to lose Sadie while he is waiting for things to calm down.  He wasn't expecting to get hit by Cupid's arrow, it just sort of happened - and at an inconvenient time.  For Sadie's part she is fine to take things slow.  But when she does find herself falling hard for Dean, will she be able to handle his secrets?  When all is revealed, will their boom factor stand up to the hit?

I liked Dean and Sadie's romance and I liked how possessive, jealous and all around alpha-like Dean is.  I mean what woman doesn't want an alpha male - even if they can be a bit growly at times. Sadie is a sweet character and easy to like, but she wasn't so good that she got on my nerves - which is a definite plus.  The two of them together was a joy to read and I was rooting for them to make it.  If you like swoony heroes who fall hard, and romantic stories with a bit of suspense, you'll like this book.  You can read it on its own - although it does mention some characters that we have met in other books. I think this just made me want to go and read the series again, and find any books that I might have missed.  Until Sadie is a great addition to the Happily Ever Alpha world, and it also made me want to read more from this author.  

Thank you to the author, Boom Factory Publishing, and GiveMeBooksPR for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The iconic 1980's movie When Harry Met Sally said it best: Men and Women can't be friends because sex gets in the way. Whether it's the physical act itself, or simply attraction that enters the equation, being members of the opposite sex and trying to just be friends is difficult.    But in A Very Friendly Valentine's Day by Kayley Loring, Eddie and Birdie try and succeed at being just friends for six long years - at least that's what they keep insisting.  I guess something had to give - and I am so happy to have been along for their journey to see it come to a head.  (Don't make that dirty - if you made that dirty, it's on you.)

This book is funny - like laugh out loud funny.  Reading through Eddie and Birdie's texts are hilarious.  And Eddie is so frickin charming. And hot - did I mention that he's hot? Well, I didn't include the cover of the book above and below for nothing...he's hot.  He is by far the best book boyfriend I've added to my repertoire in awhile.  And Birdie is quirky, nerdy, neurotic, and sweet.  You wouldn't think a girl like her would be on a guy like Eddie's radar, but he's such a nice, great guy, he likes her for her.  And that is just the sweetest.  Honestly, this is a great romantic comedy and this is one best friends to lovers story that you'll want to read again and again.  You'll laugh, you might cry, you'll high-five yourself for getting all the Friends references, and you might decide that when traveling is once again possible, maybe you too will book a ridiculously long train ride in an attempt to nail down your mister right.  Seriously though, one click this baby today - you won't regret it.

Thank you to the author and to GiveMeBooksPR for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

​RELEASE BLITZ
Title: A Very Friendly Valentine’s Day
Author: Kayley Loring
Genre: Steamy Romantic Comedy
Release Date: January 14, 2021
 
BLURB
 
EDDIE: Cancel your dinky little roomette on the train. I’m booking us two of the big bedroom suites.
 
BIRDIE: I’ll cancel it AFTER you’ve booked the other sleeper rooms. And reimburse you.
 
EDDIE: Don’t worry about it. Just cancel your tickets. I got this. Round trip. I’m on the Amtrak website right now.
 
BIRDIE: You don’t have to leave NYC when I do! You’ll hardly be able to spend any time with your Instagram girlfriend that you've never met!
 
EDDIE: It’s fine. She’ll be fine with it. Cancel your tickets.
 
BIRDIE: You aren’t going to stop texting me until I’ve canceled them, are you?
 
EDDIE: Damn right I’m not. Just do it. You can thank me later.
 
***
 
EDDIE: Um. Did you cancel your tickets?
 
BIRDIE: Yes, Edward. I canceled them.
 
EDDIE: Okay, because it turns out they only had one Family Bedroom from LA to Chicago. But the good news is I booked it for us. It’s the biggest room they had. The bad news is I booked it for us. And it’s the only sleeper room they have left now.
 
EDDIE: In related news, there was also only one room left from Chicago to New York.
 
EDDIE: Hands up if you’re excited! *man raising hand emoji*
 
BIRDIE: I am so mad at you right now.
 
***
 
BIRDIE: I’ve compiled a list of ground rules re shared train bedroom. Check your email, please read carefully, and refer to it again on the ninth of February. Thank you.
 
EDDIE: *nerd face emoji* Received. I have some notes.
 
 
GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55953134-a-very-friendly-valentine-s-day
 
 
PURCHASE LINKS – 99c for a limited time!
 
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Free in Kindle Unlimited
 
 
Audio narrated by Connor Crais & Mackenzie Cartwright coming soon!
 
 
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A Very Bossy Christmas 
 
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Free in Kindle Unlimited
 
Also available in audio: https://amzn.to/3hvlXUR
 
 
AUTHOR BIO
 
Before writing steamy romantic comedy novels, Kayley Loring got a BFA in creative writing from a Canadian university and had a fifteen-year career as a screenwriter in Los Angeles (under a different name). She mostly wrote PG-13 family comedies that studios would pay her lots of money for and then never make into movies. In 2017 she decided to move to the Pacific Northwest and write about all the fun stuff that she wasn't allowed to write about in those PG-13 scripts. Now she’s breathing cleaner air and writing dirtier words. It’s an adjustment she’s happily getting used to.
 
 
AUTHOR LINKS
 
Website: https://kayleyloring.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorkayleyloring
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/kayleyville
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayleyloring
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/diuzU1
Audio Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/e3b7l2
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kayley-loring
 

Off the Cuff by K.I. Lynn is a funny, enemies-to-lovers workplace romance that evolves from immature bickering to very real feelings, and captures the reader's heart in the process. We meet single mom Roe, who on a very bad day runs into executive Thane and spills coffee on him. Turns out Thane is having a very bad day as well - it is not a "meet cute" in the slightest.  In a petty move to teach Roe a lesson, Thane throws his weight around and steals Roe from the marketing department to act as his assistant.  The two commence an epic clash of wills that in reality would have HR coming down hard on them.  But never mind that - it was fun to read their verbal sparring, a lot of which stems from the fact that they are very much attracted to each other.  Soon, Thane finds himself wanting Roe, and not just for a quickie in his office.  Roe however is afraid - if she tells Thane about her daughter - she knows that he will be gone in a flash.

One of the best things about this book was the dual perspective.  Thank goodness we get to see what's going on with Thane and where his attitude comes from.  If we only saw him from Roe's biased perspective, there's no way he would become our new book boyfriend - and honey, trust me, you want him as your new book boyfriend.  Roe is feisty and she's strong, dealing with far too much on her plate. She finds it difficult to trust people, and especially Thane.  Watching him break down her walls is really rewarding.  This book is funny and sexy, but it also touches on very real, serious topics.  It is well balanced and makes for a truly spectacular read. I need to go stalk the author now and find her other work because there's no way that Off the Cuff was a one-off.  Off the Cuff is live now - and don't wait a second before downloading this one.

Thank you to the author and to Give Me Books PR for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The brother's best friend / best friend's little sister romance story is a tale as old as time - it is one of the most popular love tropes out there.  And for good reason because it makes for a good story.  The risk in the romance is already there and things are automatically complicated.  In Oops, the new contemporary romance novella by D.L. Gallie,  she takes this trope and goes full steam ahead.  

Mia and Lawson have known each other their whole lives because Lawson is Mia's brother's best friend.  Mia has always had a crush on Lawson, but she never in her wildest dreams thought anything would come of it.  That is until all of a sudden, he starts flirting with her.  Lawson opens his eyes one day and sees Mia as a woman, and not only as his best friend's little sister.  He wants her even though he knows he shouldn't.  When the two of them try to see where their romance can go, they do it in secret. Will Mia's brother find out and ruin their chances at happiness?  Will Lawson's relationship with Mia's brother be ruined because of their romance? Is it worth the risk?

This was a short and sweet romance and it definitely followed the trope to a tee.  If you had a checklist of how the story should go, you could easily mark the whole thing off.  Unfortunately, there were no surprises and we didn't really get to know the characters.  Normally I love the predictability of a good rom-com, but I guess I was hoping for a bit more.  I did like the steamy bits, but it might have been good to balance those parts with a bit of insight into who these characters were.  But, if you are looking for an easy, sexy, short read, then this is definitely the book for you.  It had funny moments and kept things light - and sometimes that is just what a reader needs.

​Thank you to the author and to HEAPRMore for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

​Title: Oops
Author: DL Gallie
Genre: Brother’s Best Friend Romance

I’ve had a crush on Lawson O’Connor since forever
but it can never be, he’s my older brother’s best
friend.
I always thought the feelings were one-sided but
recently, I’m beginning to suspect otherwise.
A subtle touch here.
An inappropriate comment there.
A smoldering look.
A sexy wink.
And then it happens, we hook up.
It’s everything I ever imagined and more but we can
never be, can we?

Links:
Purchase: http://mybook.to/oops
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/Oops_GR

AUTHOR BIO:
DL Gallie is from Queensland, Australia, but she's lived in many different places all over the world. She currently resides in Gladstone with her husband and two kids. She and her husband have been together since she was sixteen, and although they drive each other crazy at times, she couldn't imagine her life without him.
Shortly after her son was born, DL began reading again. With encouragement from her husband, she picked up the pen and started writing, and now the voices in her head won't shut up.
DL enjoys listening to music, drinking white wine in the summer, red wine in the winter, and beer all year round. She's also never been known to turn down a cocktail, especially a margarita.

AUTHOR LINKS:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3alw1uy
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dlgallieauthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/dlgallie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DLGallieAuthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dlgallieauthor
Website: https://dlgallieauthor.wixsite.com/dlgallieauthor

​HOSTED BY: @HEAPRMore
linktr.ee/heaprmore

A young girl is stolen from her home by three brothers seeking revenge on her father.  They intend to use her against her father in order to get what they want.  This doesn't sound like the plot of a romance novel - more like a byline in the local newspaper.  Stolen, by Darcy Rose, the first in her Vow of Revenge trilogy, is labeled as a dark romance - and it is definitely that.  It is a reverse harem story with reluctance and some taboo elements thrown in.  Some might see Jessa as a victim, and the brothers who took her as villains - and they are that in the simplest sense.  But the author does delve deeper into their feelings, their confusion, and their conflicted states so that the story really isn't all that simple at all.  

The story has several triggers and readers shouldn't take the warning in the book blurb lightly. If you are easily offended - stay away.  But if you, like me, sometimes like a little taboo and sometimes like a novel to be filled with erotic and steamy scenes (the dirtier the better), then pick up this little black book.  It is short and you'll finish it quickly - I actually couldn't put it down.  I was captivated by Jessa's plight, but also by the brothers - we do see it a bit from their perspectives which was smart of the author.  It humanized them and made the reader unsure of their villainous roles.  I for one can't wait until the second book comes out. I was left intrigued, and more than a little turned on - if I'm being honest.  Sure I could be embarrassed that I liked this trope but in the end, life is too short for that. Embrace your kinks ladies. Make 2021 the year of Why The Hell Not.

Stolen releases today. Thank you to the author and to CandiKane PR for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
   

When you find the love of your life, but you lose them, can you ever really be happy? Or do you just exist day by day, your world devoid of colour?  Ryker and Scarlet, the couple in Far Beyond Repair, A.K. Evans' third instalment of the Hearts and Horsepower series, would tell you that losing each other destroyed them and the people they were.  Ryker and Scarlet loved each other as teenagers and were forced to separate.  Ryker has spent the last 14 years miserable and unhappy, and Scarlet has been too terrified to let anyone in.  When they are reunited, although there is pain and heartache, they also find a part of themselves that was long lost.  

This is the ultimate second chance romance and it has been simmering in our hearts since the first book of the series.  Ryker's grumpy character has been paramount in making sure his friends end up with their girls - he doesn't allow them to make stubborn mistakes but encourages them to take the leap.  It has always been alluded to that he has suffered a great heartache in his past.  In Far Beyond Repair, we are finally privy to his secret love affair with Scarlet and the devastating day that he walked away and lost her.  When they meet up again 14 years later, they still love each other - but will their love be strong enough to keep them together this time?

I was so happy to finally read Ryker's romance. What I love about Evans' books is that her characters are real, stubborn and sometimes immature people. They are real and relatable.  I can see myself in their shoes and having their arguments.  The books in the Hearts and Horsepower series are emotional and really embrace the reader.  This one was no different and I can't wait to read the next.  Far Beyond Repair is a story you'll want to read again and again. It's live now and I encourage you to download it today.

Thank you to the author and to Give me Books Promotions for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.   

​Title: Far Beyond Repair
Series: Hearts & Horsepower #3
Author: A.K. Evans
Genre: Small-Town Contemporary Sports Romance
Release Date: January 5, 2021
 
BLURB
 
Scarlet Morgan knows all about happy endings.  As a best-selling romance author, it’s her job to be an expert on the subject.  It’s just too bad her own story doesn’t write so well. 
 
Ryker Holt can build a car from the ground up.  While there isn’t much the highly-skilled mechanic can’t fix when it comes to his profession, it’s Ryker’s personal life that’s still in pieces.
 
Scarlet thought she found forever in Ryker until, one day, he broke her heart and walked away. 
 
Years later, filled with regret, Ryker wants Scarlet back.  But he’s worried the damage is already done, and what they had between them is far beyond repair.
 
 
GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55229887-far-beyond-repair
 
 
PURCHASE LINKS
 
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ALSO AVAILABLE
 
#1 Control the Burn
 
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Free in Kindle Unlimited
 
#2 Behind the Wheel
 
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Free in Kindle Unlimited
 
 
COMING SOON
 
#4 How to Rebuild – Releasing January 19
 
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UK: https://amzn.to/3nUvtEa
CA: https://amzn.to/2Fs1LVo
AU: https://amzn.to/374gZLF
 
Only available at the following retailers for a limited time

B&N: https://bit.ly/2IwPmAT
Kobo: https://bit.ly/34TgK3s
Apple Books: https://apple.co/376Wmyo
 
#5 Out of Alignment – Releasing February 2
 
US: https://amzn.to/2H2F0rC
UK: https://amzn.to/379tA0a
CA: https://amzn.to/33Y14wA
AU: https://amzn.to/3lMfg1H
 
Only available at the following retailers for a limited time

B&N: https://bit.ly/314vdbS
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3nQ6hOO
Apple Books: https://apple.co/319llNM
 
 
AUTHOR BIO 
 
A.K. Evans is a contemporary romance author of over twenty published novels. While she enjoys writing a good romantic suspense novel, Andrea’s favorite books to write have been her extreme sports romances. That might have something to do with the fact that she, along with her husband and two sons, can’t get enough of extreme sports. 

Before becoming a writer, Andrea did a brief stint in the insurance and financial services industry and managed her husband’s performance automotive business. That love of extreme sports? She used to drive race cars! 

When Andrea isn’t writing, she can be found homeschooling her two sons, doing yoga, snowboarding, reading, or traveling with her family. She and her husband are currently taking road trips throughout the country to visit all 50 states with their boys.
 
 
AUTHOR LINKS 
 
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dmeo6z
Website: https://www.authorakevans.com
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/a-k-evans
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorAKEvans
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorakevans
Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorakevans
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/A.K.-Evans/e/B06XHJYYJN
 

I have never been an addict. I do know what it feels like to be drawn to something that's not good for you. However, I do not know the strength that it takes to turn away from temptation and to come out on the other side.  In Tempted, the new standalone romance by Ava Harrison, we are taken into the world of Silver, a high end night club where the rich and powerful and attractive congregate to have fun, drink and occasionally do drugs.  Bailey, a recovering drug addict, is at the end of her rope. She desperately needs money and so she takes a job at Silver even though she knows it is going to be full of temptations that could land her back where she was.  Her boss, the club's owner, Drew, hires Bailey against his better judgement.  A difficult memory in his past pushes him to want to help Bailey, and he has no choice but to bring her into his world.  What neither of them realize is that the biggest temptation that they will face, is each other.

This is not a cute and sappy romance.  It deals with dark themes and may present triggers for some people who have dealt with addiction.  Out of desperation, Bailey puts herself in a situation where she could fall victim to old habits.  And Drew, even though he technically is responsible for Bailey being there, is set on saving her - despite the fact that should not be his role.  He mixes his past and his present, bringing his previous failings into his relationship with Bailey, which proves to be a dangerous thing.  The attraction between them is very real, but the potential consequences of them being together is more compelling.  

Do not read this book if you are after a quick solution to the characters' problems.  The difficulties Drew and Bailey face are complex and there is a very slow lead up.  The character development was well done, but I did find myself wishing for more during the first half of the book - more sizzle, more spark, more smoke, more scorching heat.  Perhaps I have grown too used to insta-love romances. What I did like about Tempted was that I did get to know the characters separately. I did see into their world, and although I walked on eggshells and stood in the corner out of the way, I did keep watching, fascinated. I wanted to see where this, and they, would end up.  Harrison brings you into the darkness of Drew and Bailey's world, and into the swirling lights of their relationship.  You feel a bit dizzy at first, but you don't turn off the strobe lights.  Read this book if you are after a dark, slow burn romance, and I think that you will come out better for it on the other side.  Thank you to the author and to Grey's Promotions for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Top Shelf Romance has pulled together some of the best romance writers and put together a book filled with several happily ever afters, and I couldn't be happier.  Not only do all the proceeds of this anthology go to The Live A Thousand Lives charity, but the stories, from names you've actually heard of, are really good.  It's a feel good book, and each story will make you want to get further acquainted with its author.  Some of the stories are short - little snippets of love where you catch just a glimpse of the characters. Others are longer and go more in depth. There's no wrong answer here and each one holds its charms.  If you don't have very long to read, pick one of the shorter stories. If you're ready to curl up and settle in, they've got plenty of those to choose from as well.  I also liked how there were meet cutes and flirtations, but also some where the romance was between say, a married couple or old acquaintances.  I really can't say enough good things about this collection and encourage you to go out and download yours today.

Thank you to Top Shelf Romance and to Candi Kane PR for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Now I'm going to go buy it! I mean...It's for charity!

​  

​ NOW LIVE!!!
100% of the profits from this anthology will be given to the Live A Thousand Lives charity. 
The I Have Lived and I Have Loved Collection is NOW AVAILABLE!! 

Grab this charity romance collection of 17 love stories TODAY!! 

AVAILABLE NOW!  
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2KjP554
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3qPTDRB
Apple Books: https://apple.co/2W93bc7
Google Play: https://bit.ly/3a76M2Q
Nook: https://bit.ly/2Kn9gip

These best selling romance authors have graciously donated all new stories for this collection:
Willow Winters, K.A. Linde, Skye Warren, Carrie Ann Ryan , Author Nikki Ash, Jennifer Bene, Marni Mann, Melanie Harlow & Corinne Michaels, Amelia Wilde, Livia Grant, Tia Louise, Jenna Hartley, Aleatha Romig, Dylan Allen, Nana Malone, Harloe Rae and J.D. Hollyfield!
100% of the profits from this anthology will be given to the Live A Thousand Lives charity. 

Live A Thousand Lives is a nonprofit dedicated to making audiobooks more accessible to individuals with low to no mobility. To that end, Live A Thousand Lives provides audio players preloaded with classic stories to individuals in hospitals, care centers and nursing facilities.

For every ONE Romance Audio player purchased (loaded with 17 romance novels!), Live A Thousand Lives is able to donate TWO Classic Fiction audio players. These simple-function, easy-to-use players help open a world of books to readers with physical disabilities that prevent them from enjoying traditional books. Your love of books could help bring audiobooks to TWO book lovers with low mobility or physical handicap that keeps them from enjoying traditional books.

Check out www.liveathousandlives.com to learn more about their story, mission and inspiration.
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Sometimes, despite being seriously attracted to someone, you let things get in the way - jealousy, preconceived notions, pride and hurt feelings - they can all stop you from getting your HEA.  In Behind the Wheel, book 2 in the Hearts and Horsepower series by A.K. Evans, we get another "rocky start" romance where you don't immediately see how the two characters are going to end up together.  I like the enemies to lovers trope and it's used well here, between Knox and Avery.  Although it's book 2 in the series, you could probably pick it up as a standalone because most everything relevant that happened in book 1 is explained again - but I always like to read a book series in order, especially where they are interconnected and we meet the characters early on.  

Knox first sees Avery at the race track - and she's one of the racers which he finds seriously hot (don't we all - a chick race car driver is badass). Before he can introduce himself, he sees that she is with Ricky, the owner of a rival shop.  He assumes that they are an item and backs off.  Then, when he finds out that Avery is about to start working at LT Motorsports, leaving the rival shop for theirs, Knox just assumes that she's up to no good.  He's not completely off base in his suspicions - the racing world is very competitive, and LT Motorsports is at the top of their game.  It would make sense for Ricky to send Avery to gather information and report back to him.  The thing is, Avery isn't a spy.  Knox treats her like crap basically - even though the chemistry between them is undeniable and he still wants her.  He's angry at her and angry at himself for wanting her, and the first few weeks are volatile between the two of them.  By the time Knox starts to realize that maybe he was mistaken about Avery, Avery wants nothing to do with him.  Is it too late for Knox to mend fences and befriend her - and maybe become more?

I read this book right after I finished the first one and the changeover was seamless.  Knox is a bit of a - insert expletive here - but since there is dual perspective, we can see why he is acting the way he is. It's also fun to see him change his mind.  The romance is a slow burn - different from book one where Logan and Kendall couldn't keep their hands off each other.  But I thought the anticipation was well worth it.  Avery is tough as nails but she's still a woman, and is relatable.  I really liked reading their back and forth.   Behind the Wheel, out today, is a great addition to the Hearts and Horsepower series and I can't wait to read the others.

Thank you to the author and Give Me Books PR for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. ​

Look at this cover. Ladies, if you can scroll past this cover without buying this book...you're stronger than I am.  Okay, so I was brought in by those eyes. But what kept me reading was the great story, held together by captivating characters.
This Much Is True, a standalone romance which releases today, was my first book by Tia Louise, and she did not disappoint.  It takes place in a realistic 2020, right during the first main shutdown caused by COVID-19, which makes for a really interesting story in the "new normal".  I have not yet read a romance published this year that actually mentions Corona - most authors choose to ignore it, or write it out of their worlds, since a lot of romances are used for escapism.  I actually agree with this approach. Who wants to read about the pandemic and worry about germs in a "kissing book"?  But I have to say that the way Louise incorporates it seamlessly into her world (our world) is really well done and after my initial scrunched nose reaction - I was more than okay with it.

Our story begins with JR getting released early from prison because of - strangely enough - the virus.  I'm not familiar if this actually happened in the US where prisoners were released to avoid overcrowding, and because catching the virus would be a violation of their civil rights.  In any case, JR is released early and sets his sights on home, where his young son is, and where he wants to confront the person responsible for his prison sentence.  It's a 36 hour drive and he recruits his brother Scout to go with him.  JR picks up a car that he bought online.  What he doesn't expect is - 6 hours into his trip - finding an accidental stowaway.  Hope passed out drunk in the backseat of the car - not her finest moment.  She has recently lost her business because of the pandemic and is broke and was having a well earned pity party where the only guest was an entire bottle of wine. After she is discovered, she is talked into staying with Scout and JR to help them drive on their trip.  Now we have the perfect ingredients for a road trip story, made all the more interesting because of the pandemic, and because the characters are so multilayered.  

I love a good road trip story and I find that the romance between Hope and JR - which starts to sizzle despite JR's surliness and downright rudeness - is really well written.  These characters have such intriguing pasts and the conversations had in the car (mostly between Hope and the very likeable Scout - with JR listening despite himself) are so connective.  They connect the characters to each other, but they connect the reader to them as well.  There is more to this book than just a romance built out of close proximity, with fun side characters thrown in.  I felt so much as I went along with them for their journey, and even when they got to the end of the road, I wanted to keep reading.  That to me is the mark of a good book - wanting to read past the end.  So pick up this book for the cover - sure - but stay for the incredible story.  

Thank you to the author and Give Me Books PR for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.