Book Reviews

Big Brawny Mechanic by Cassi Hart Cover Image

Big Brawny Mechanic by Cassi Hart ~ Review by Deanna

Deanna | OkieDreams

All my life I’ve come to expect lemons.

Lemon foster parents, lemon schools, lemon relationships, and now the car I spent my life savings on is indeed a lemon.

I am stranded on the side of the road when my best friend sends someone to save me. He is big, rough, tattooed, and everything I have ever wanted in a man.

Our attraction is instantaneous and I know he’s the only man I could ever give my V-Card to.

It looks like my luck is finally changing.

The only problem is that our love is forbidden… because Jack Knight is my best friend’s Dad.

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Bratva Jewel Cover

Review: Bratva Jewel by Sabine Barclay

Deanna | OkieDreams

I can’t resist her. I don’t want to…

She’s tried to leave our life behind, but no one walks away from the bratva.

She can run, but she can’t hide.

I’ll be the one to catch her when she falls. And she will because she’s walking a fine line.

I’ll be there because she’s mine.

I’ll go to the ends of the Earth for her. She’ll discover her limits and realize only I can please her.

She’s my soulmate, and I’m hers. Heaven help anyone who gets in the way.

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A Cowboy Kind of Thing by Reese Ryan

Review: A Cowboy Kind of Thing by Reese Ryan

Deanna | OkieDreams

He’s Texas. She’s Hollywood.

…and together they’re playing with fire!

Dionna Reed is in Royal, Texas, to help plan her starlet bestie’s wedding. But when the bride and groom bail, all the planning falls to Dionna…and the too-hot, too-sexy best man who’s convinced Texas can outdo Hollywood for this wedding event of the year. Well, bring it on, cowboy.

Tripp Noble has one week to convince city-slicker Dionna that Royal is the perfect place for his cousin’s wedding—all the while keeping his hands off the gorgeous maid of honor.

But cowboys don’t always follow the rules…

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Rodeo Rebel by Joanne Rock

Review: Rodeo Rebel by Joanne Rock

Deanna | OkieDreams

“Find out for yourself if I’m as bad as everyone says.”

When infamous bull rider Gavin Kingsley finds out he’s been disinherited, he wants answers—and Lauryn Hamilton, his father’s former employee and the local sheriff’s daughter, may have them.

Participating in a charity bachelor auction for Lauryn’s horse rescue is the perfect opportunity for Gavin to find what he’s looking for…even if he has to seduce the truth out of her.

When bad boy Gavin unlocks sweet Lauryn’s rebellious side, he may be roped into more than he bargained for.

Upcoming titles in this series: Rodeo Rebel, The Rancher’s Plus-One, Alaskan Blackout

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Review: Mr Right Next Door by Naima Simone

Deanna | OkieDreams

As the ex-mayor’s daughter, Jenna Landon has spent her life aiming for perfection—and missing. The pressure and disappointment turned her into a bit of a mean girl, but now she’s tired of protecting her soft heart, of hiding her losses—she’s ready to leave Rose Bend and start over. But before she can leave, she has to endure the town’s carnival fundraiser, her father’s reelection campaign…and the pain-in-the-tail giant who just moved in next door.

Wrestling coach Isaac Hunter didn’t mean to disturb his neighbor with his music while fixing his car. But if anyone could use “messing with,” it’s prissy, perfect, sexy Jenna Landon. Soon their clashes turn into something hotter. Recently divorced, his focus should be rebuilding his life, not an… entanglement with a woman who spells nothing but trouble. Because Jenna is leaving Rose Bend. And they both know he can’t go with her, and he can’t ask her to stay…

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Irresistibly Broken by J Saman Cover

Review: Irresistibly Broken by J Saman

Deanna | OkieDreams

ZAXTON

Aurelia Whitlock is an ex-stepsister I forgot long ago. Until she shows up as a design intern at my fashion company. And that’s the easy part. The part where she heats my blood, drawing me away from my grumpy, miserable side is another.

She has no business being here. The more I learn about how she got this job, the more perilous things become for me and my company.

I can’t trust her. I can’t fire her. And I can’t claim her full lips with mine.

Now it’s a keep your friends close and your enemies even closer situation.

Except keeping this stunning woman who surprises me at every turn close isn’t as easy as it sounds. She’s a delicious load of sunshine wrapped in smiles and enticing laughter. Her secrets and troubled past make me desperate to swoop in and fix them.

And did I mention the mouth on her? The one that challenges me and argues with me at every turn. The one I can’t stop staring at or fantasizing about.

I’m in trouble. So much trouble.

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A Vampires Kiss by Rebecca Zanetti COVER

A Vampire’s Kiss by Rebecca Zanetti ~ Review

Deanna | OkieDreams

Unlike several of his brothers, Athan Maxwell accepted the curse inherent in his DNA and solved the problem a century ago by mating his one true mate and saving her life at the same time. Now they only meet up four times a year to exchange blood and keep themselves healthy because that was the deal. Yet after a hundred years, his mate has only become more beguiling and intriguing, and when he discovers a new threat on her tail, his promise of sitting back and leaving her alone goes right out of the window.

Ivy O’Dwyer has enjoyed the last century as an immortal being, evolving from being a farmer’s daughter to the successful CEO of an Internet company. Sure, life gets lonely without the chance to date, and yes, she’s grateful to her vampire mate for saving her life so long ago, and yet the dreams she has of the sexy male won’t desert her. So when he storms in to save her life, in all vampire-possessive mode, it’s difficult to stand her ground. Unfortunately, when they finally discover that living forever but alone isn’t worth it, it might be too late.

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The Kraken's Sacrifice

The Kraken’s Sacrifice by Katee Robert ~ Review

Deanna | OkieDreams

Catalina only made her deal with the demon because she had nowhere else to go. The world has kicked her every chance it got, so she’s all too happy to leave the realm she knows behind. What’s the worst that could happen?

She doesn’t anticipate being auctioned away to a kraken.

Thane is cold and distant…but he’s not unkind. Isolated as they are, Catalina finds herself seeking his company again and again. And when she finally agrees to uphold her portion of the bargain?

That’s when things get really interesting.

But she only gave the demon seven years, and when the time is up, she’ll have no choice but to leave behind the kraken who’s stolen her heart and return to the world that doesn’t want her.

Author’s Note: For all tropes, tags, and CWs, please check the author’s website.

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His Christmas Guardian by Cindy Dees

His Christmas Guardian by Cindy Dees ~ Review

Deanna | OkieDreams

I started reading this book in the fall of 2022, but in the middle of reading, I found out my brother wasn’t going to survive his cancer. After losing him, I found it difficult to read for a few months. Every time I tried, my brain just couldn’t focus on the words, so instead I focused on work and breathing and healing. I finally found joy in reading again over the weekend and was surprised by how much I remembered about this story and it’s characters, Nick and Alex. That is a testament to author Cindy Dees work, and her gift of storytelling. Not to mention, I love a good romantic suspense tale and this one was a great one.

I loved the character of Nick, and perhaps more importantly, I also loved the character of Alex. The two men were great on their own, of course, but they were even better together. They had the right mix of interest and anxiousness, all mingled in with their raw capability as secret government operatives on a dangerous and wholly unexpected joint mission. A mission that gave them far more than either one of them could have dreamed to find.

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Tempted by the Mountain Man by Kelsie Calloway

Tempted by the Mountain Man by Kelsie Calloway ~ Review

Deanna | OkieDreams

Clementine Peterson thought she was coming home to start her life and open a business. She never expected to run into her older brother’s best friend and his new kid.

Ridge: When a social worker shows up at my doorstep with a three-year-old who looks just like me, I know that my whole life is about to change. I never thought I’d have kids, but looking at Hadley melts my heart. Being a first-time dad at twenty-five to a kid you’ve never met before is hard though. That’s why I need some help. Clementine might be my best friend’s little sister, but she’s the only one I can count on.

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Her Wayward Cowboy by Maisey Yates ~ Review

Deanna | OkieDreams

A first kiss leads to a second chance for this returning cowboy…

For thirteen years, Arizona King has tried to forget Micah Stone, the man who broke her heart. She was eighteen the night they confessed their feelings for each other. The next morning, he was gone. Maybe she was too young, too inexperienced—after all, he was twelve years older and fresh out of a serious relationship. Arizona vowed to never be so vulnerable again. But that promise proves hard to keep when Micah suddenly returns to Four Corners Ranch, looking for his son…

Soon it becomes clear those feelings never burned out for either of them. Still, after all this time, Arizona’s carrying more scars than she lets on… Should she give this headstrong cowboy a second chance—or will he turn tail once more and leave for good?

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Falling for His Fake Girlfriend by Shannon Stacey COVER

Falling for His Fake Girlfriend by Shannon Stacey ~ Review

Deanna | OkieDreams

This fake dating, opposites attract romance is the perfect blend of chaos, charm, and community. Molly Cyrs is a neurodiverse heroine that is a bit out there for most people, but for Stonefield’s sexy new librarian, Callan Avery, she’s an intriguing mix of humor and intelligence. She’s also the first person he feels a connection with in town, which is a pretty good thing considering she just offered to be his fake girlfriend so the rest of the town might accept him faster!

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Trouble for Hire by Naima Simone

Trouble for Hire by Naima Simone ~ Review

Deanna | OkieDreams

This small town, brother’s best friend novella is the perfect swoon-worthy romance read. In it, Camille Dansen meets Erik Mann, her brother’s best friend and a local tattoo artist in need of a front desk receptionist. Camille has had a bit of a rough go of things of late, breaking up with her fiancé and moving back to Rose Bend. She’s looking for a fresh start and she finds it, just maybe not how she expected for things to go.

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Snowed in with the Grump by Kat Baxter

Snowed in with the Grump by Kat Baxter ~ Review

Deanna | OkieDreams

Jackie

This year, all I want for Christmas is to not see my ex-boyfriend’s wife flashing her baby bump all around town. When my best friend gifts me a week at a mountain cabin, I jump at the chance to get out of Saddle Creek for the holidays. Except instead of solitude and hot cocoa, I find the last thing I expect: Luca Daniels.

Not only is Luca the hottest guy I’ve ever known, but he’s also my best friend’s older brother. Apparently, he thinks the cabin is his for the week. But this is my vacation and I’m too stubborn to leave. If he finds my infectious Christmas joy annoying, then he can choke on a sugar plum! We’ve never gotten along and could legitimately argue about anything. So color me surprised when we’re snowed in together, and I realize the line between love and hate just might be thinner than the stripes on a candy cane.

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Miles and Miles of You by Jennifer Bonds COVER

Miles and Miles of You by Jennifer Bonds ~ Review

Deanna | OkieDreams

Get on board with @SoSavvyTraveler!

Lucy Gonzalez might have once been a stressed personal assistant, but now she’s hitched up her grandma’s bitchin’ vintage Airstream and hitting the road with all the best places to find cheap eats and see the sights on a shoestring budget.

And she has company along for the ride. If those thirst-worthy abs seem familiar, it’s because they belong to billionaire Miles Hart. True story, he used to be Lucy’s boss until she quit on him. Something about not being appreciated? Anyway, you will appreciate Miles—and his groveling—plenty on this trip.

Now, you have front-row seats to the hottest trip of the year. Sparks! Fireworks! Unexpected smooching! And you won’t want to miss the jaw-dropping surprise that will make this destination totally worth the hilarious journey…

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Single Dad Santa by Heather Lauren COVER

Single Dad Santa by Heather Lauren ~ Review

Deanna | OkieDreams

One bookstore. One suspicious matchmaker. Tiss the season to be naughty.

Olive Adams is happy with her life. She has good friends, a job she loves, and she certainly doesn’t need a man to make things more complicated.

Until she gets thrown into a pool with Leo Miller.

But Leo isn’t looking for anything either. He’s a single dad way too focused on his career and his daughter. He’s comfortable in his life, too afraid to throw anything off balance. Something serious is off the table.

Or is it?

As Olive and Leo grow closer, their perceptions on relationships—and sex in public places—begin to change. But as life becomes more complicated, will it be enough?

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Merry Christmas Cowboy by Maisey Yates COVER

Merry Christmas Cowboy by Maisey Yates ~ Review

Deanna | OkieDreams

Cowboy Wolf Garrett is delighted his brother is happily married—really, he is. But time can never heal Wolf’s own wounds, so being surrounded by such marital joy is a bit…much. A trip to his extended family’s ranch in Copper Ridge seems the ideal change of scenery. Until he meets local innkeeper Violet Donnelly and realizes he’s exchanged one form of torture for another—trying, and spectacularly failing, to resist their instant, wildly hot chemistry.

Violet knew Wolf was trouble the moment he walked into her inn. But it’s a whole new level of trouble when she discovers that their secret nights have left her pregnant! Especially when she has six feet of gorgeous, furious cowboy demanding that she come home with him for the holidays and marry him. Wolf has lost more than she could ever imagine, but Violet believes in the power of love to heal, and she’ll do anything to give their future family a chance. Wolf has already given her so many firsts—dare she hope he’s about to become her first Christmas miracle too?

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The Secrets You Keep by Tracy Lorraine

The Secrets You Keep by Tracy Lorraine ~ Review

Deanna | OkieDreams

My naive heart only ever beat for two guys…

Two totally unattainable guys. Forbidden guys— the kind mothers warn their daughters about.

Tristan was the one everyone wanted… but he was also my brother’s best friend. Smart, kind, and hot as hell, with a one-way ticket straight to the NFL.

And then there was Knox… the bad-boy who turned my world upside down. Only a year older, he made me feel like it was just a silly crush… until the first time he kissed me.

The hot, soon-to-be-inked-up gangster from the wrong part of town broke every rule, and shattered hearts… I just never expected one of them to be mine.

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Kissing My Brother's Best Friend

Kissing My Brother’s Best Friend by Lana Dash ~ Review

Deanna | OkieDreams

He kissed me once as a joke. He’s not joking anymore.

Things are finally looking up for me—a new job, a new city, and a new life without the annoying watchful eye of my older brother.

That is until Denny calls me up, insisting I meet with his best friend. Obviously, he wants Alec to keep an eye on me to ensure I don’t get into any trouble in the city.

I haven’t seen Alec in years, not since that last summer before I left for college. I doubt Denny would be so quick to push us together if he knew Alec was the first boy to kiss me—not that I’d expect Alec to remember.

When we finally meet up, there’s something in the way he looks at me that says he isn’t seeing me as his best friend’s little sister anymore, but he’s slow to make any moves. Is the tension between us all in my head? Or will a kiss change our lives forever?

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The Orc from the Office by Kate Prior

The Orc from the Office by Kate Prior~ Review

Deanna | OkieDreams

Mate-bonding with a co-worker is against company policy, accidentally or not.
Janice knows better than anyone that entanglements with co-workers are risky business. But when Janice accidentally breaks a co-workers nose, she finds herself unexpectedly mated to an orc, and under Monster Resources’ scrutiny.
Khent from the IT Department is quiet and nerdy, despite the tusks. His emails are overly wordy. He won’t stop apologizing even though she’s the one who broke his glasses.
Clearly, fate got this one wrong.
All Janice has to do is stay away from Khent until the bond dissipates. Easy enough, right? Except…
…Her company laptop chooses this week to need the orc from the IT Department, repeatedly.
…She accidentally clicks on orc porn at work and has to take remedial phishing training with Khent.
…Their bond will keep pulling them back together until it is completed.

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The Rivals of Casper Road by Roan Parrish

The Rivals of Casper Road by Roan Parrish

Deanna | OkieDreams

He’s in it to win it until he falls under his neighbor’s spell.

Bram Larkspur’s rugged, sexy looks belie his fear of all things horrifying. But as Casper Road’s newest resident, he’s excited to join the annual Halloween decorating contest. The competition is keen, especially from six-time champion, architect Zachary Glass. But when enigmatic Zachary sparks a prank war, it’s game on – until one sizzling kiss turns these rivals into allies. Now only one thing scares Bram: how quickly he’s losing his heart to Zachary.

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