Bookmark & Brews

Book Reviews with a new Brew every time.

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Thanks for stopping by! This started as a way for me to keep track of all the books I read and remember my favorite heros and heroines. I’m so consumed by a book while I’m reading it and then immediately become consumed by the next book right after. I wanted a fun way to look back for myself and share my thoughts and recommendations with others. Hope you enjoy!

  • Illusionist by Arden Hart & Selena Winters

    Disclaimer: I try not to give away too many spoilers or specifics, but overall this is a summary of the book and what I liked most about it. Some details are included.

    This is my first dark romance and I’m hooked on this series! Illusionist is the second book in the series and it unlocked fantasies I didn’t even know I had!

    Nova runs from an abusive relationship to the Seven Sins Carnival. She finds a job and the hot Illusionist, Silas. They are immediately drawn to each other. They both have a childhood of trauma that allows them to connect on a deeper level, both of them survivors.

    Silas and his brothers are deep into their revenge crusade across the country, but when Nova finds out, she understands and is willing to help. However, this crusade has attracted the attention of the FBI. When Special Agent Teddy starts sniffing around, he is instantly attracted to the dynamic of Silas and Nova.

    What starts as Silas and Nova looking to break Teddy, turns into them deciding to keep him. The three of them are explosive together and the spicy scenes are very unique and plentiful!

    Favorite Quote: “I’m not Roman. I’m not whoever else hurt you before him. I’m me, and I want you exactly as you are. Damaged, dangerous, and absolutely fucking magnificent.” – Silas to Nova

    Purchase Illusionist HERE

    BREW: I spent my Friday morning in one of my favorite coffee shops. Most people will go to work there, but since I had the day off, I went to work on some Canva edits and read. They have the yummiest iced coffees for every season. I had the bananas foster this time and it was perfect! They also have a breakfast sandwich made in house instead of frozen, which always tastes better in my opinion. If you’re local to the north Georgia area, you have to check out The Stout Brothers (Instagram).

  • Wrangling Wade by Nichole Rose

    Disclaimer: I try not to give away too many spoilers or specifics, but overall this is a summary of the book and what I liked most about it. Some details are included.

    Wade and Harlow’s story in the Silver Spoon Cowboys series might be my favorite, although I think I’ve felt that way about some of the others too lol. That just means it’s a really good series right?

    Wade was sent to watch out for Harlow, the new bartender in town. From the moment they met and Harlow hosed him down with the sprayer, he was hooked. I loved how sweet and fun he can be one minute and then switch to total intimidating alpha the next when it comes to protecting Harlow.

    I loved Harlow’s strong and fierce personality, totally fitting for a redhead. She was used to taking care of herself and keeping her guard up, but when she decided to stop fighting Wade, they were on fire 🔥It was great to also see her embrace her artistic side and see her achieve her dream.

    This was a great heartwarming instalove with pop ins of other characters from previous books that add in a lot of fun and laughs. Can’t wait to see what is going on with Bishop in the next book!

    Favorite Quote: “Damn baby, just when I think I’ve seen my favorite side of you, you go proving me wrong.” – Wade -P.S. this was when Harlow came to the door with no make up and paint splattered clothes. Perfect response from this man 😊

    Purchase Wrangling Wade HERE

    BREW: Just got a new breakfast tea from Harney & Sons on amazon. It was a delightfully rich flavor and very smooth. It comes in the prettiest can with 20 sachets included. Add a touch of honey for a little sweetness. Find Harney & Sons English breakfast tea HERE

  • Mr. McBeefcake by Kat Baxter

    Book 3: The Hotties of Saddle Creek

    Disclaimer: I try not to give away too many spoilers or specifics, but overall this is a summary of the book and what I liked most about it. Some details are included.

    I’ve said before that I love a series with characters that cross over into other books and this 3 book series has been so fun for that. This third book has a group hangout with all the couples we’ve met so far in the first two books, plus a few more from Saddle Creek. I was smiling the whole time when Donovan first got into town and was just hanging with his friends as they all gave each other a hard time and bickered with one another. It felt so genuine and it was nice to see the whole group together.

    Donovan and Kathryn are getting a second chance at love when her sister and Jude basically reverse parent trap them in a cabin to work out their issues. It was sweet as they got to catch up on what happened in their lives and the admiration they had for one another at how far they had come in their careers. Kathryn is a highly successful engineer and again, I love how Kat gives her heroines these badass careers. It’s refreshing from some of the typical, right out of college virgins that a lot of books paint their women as.

    As Donovan and Kathryn reconnect both emotionally and physically for the first time, the cabin sees some spicy action in no time. While their spicy time is super hot, what I really liked was the banter during it and experiencing just how close they are and their friendship at the core shining through even after years apart.

    I really enjoyed this whole series and will now be going back through more of Kat Baxter’s book series to read some of the other couples that were featured here like Hayes and Rory. I have a feeling I’ll be posting a lot of Kat Baxter reviews.

    Favorite Quote: “You have a narrator in your brain? Is it Morgan Freeman?” “Actually no. She sounds like Emma Thompson.” – Donovan and Kathryn ps. I love me some Emma Thompson and would love to have her voice narrating my thoughts.

    ❤️ 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞→ https://geni.us/Hotties

    BREW: Since I read this as a back to back series, please see my review of The Loaded Tea Shop on the Mr. McStudmuffin post.

  • Mr. McHunky by Kat Baxter

    Book 2 – Hotties of Saddle Creek

    Disclaimer: I try not to give away too many spoilers or specifics, but overall this is a summary of the book and what I liked most about it. Some details are included.

    Jude earned the title of Mr. McHunky hands down. He’s big and broad, covered in tattoos and an eyebrow ring. But holy marshmallow center! He raised his 3 sisters and his protective instincts kick in full gear with Emory. His relationship with his sisters is freaking adorable and I hope they get their own stories as well.

    Emory is a curvy badass who has been on her own and has the survival skills to prove it. I absolutely loved this independent woman and the fact that she made videos teaching other woman basic and not so basic skills from car maintenance to makeup techniques.

    Jude was really great at acknowledging Emory was self sufficient and able to take care of herself, but he wanted to share her burden and help lighten her load. As a woman who was also raised to be independent and take care of herself, to have a partner that just wants to help make your life easier, would be pretty incredible to find.

    I loved their vulnerability with one another and the steady patience he had with Emory as she overcame her fears of trust. Let’s also talk about that spicy scene in the cabin! This was the first time I read a woman taking charge to prove to her man she wanted him, super hot!

    Another instalove romance from Kat Baxter that I thoroughly enjoyed! Next up is Donovan’s story to complete this series.

    Favorite Quote: “I even watch a couple of her makeup tutorials because I am well and addicted to her now. Also, I’m pretty sure my color palette is winter, but I don’t think that information is relevant to me.” – Jude

    This quote gave me Richard Gilmore “I am an autumn” vibes and it made me laugh.

    ❤️ 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞→ https://geni.us/Hotties

    BREW: Since I read this as a back to back series, please see my review of The Loaded Tea Shop on the Mr. McStudmuffin post.

  • Mr. McStudmuffin by Kat Baxter

    Book 1 of Hotties of Saddle Creek

    Disclaimer: I try not to give away too many spoilers or specifics, but overall this is a summary of the book and what I liked most about it. Some details are included.

    As part of Kat Baxter’s Saddle Creek, Texas universe comes this 3 book series called “Hotties of Saddle Creek”. Mr. McStudmuffin features JD who is part owner of H&J Funds. JD and H&J Funds are mentioned in a couple other books and I just love when characters flow throughout other stories.

    This story has a boss/employee type of trope, but with a touch of mistaken unrequited love. I like how the story is broken up in 3 parts of past, present and future giving the reader a full view of the relationship and how they got to where they are now.

    JD is a tall, dark and broody finance nerd who is immediately drawn to new employee Chelsea. Chelsea is a curvy goddess with an obsession of Eliott Stabler from Law and Order SVU, who just so happens to be a perfect representation of her new boss JD. Despite having tons in common, including tattoos of The Terminator, insecurities and misunderstandings hinder them getting together.

    I loved how in tune JD was with Chelsea’s every need, anticipating what she needed without her saying a word. I also loved Chelsea’s fire when she was ready to go after what she wanted, JD.

    There are 2 more books in this series that feature Jude and Donovan, two of JD’s friends and fellow Saddle Creek alum and I can’t wait to read them next!

    Favorite Quote: “You don’t know how many times I wanted to beg you to choose me instead of him. All the business trips where he was gone for weeks at a time. Never sending you flowers or taking you on proper dates. No weekend flights to the Bahamas. It made me so fucking angry that he never treated you right when I was ready to spoil you rotten.” – JD

    ❤️ 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞→ https://geni.us/Hotties

    BREW: If you love loaded teas, then you have to check out The Loaded Tea Shop online. I was definitely influenced by an Instagram ad, but it had great results! They have natural caffeine, zero sugar, so many flavors and fast delivery. What is even better is that you get 32 oz out of one packet maybe more if you like a lighter flavor. Way more cost effective than the $12+/tea I was paying at the tea shops.

  • Penalty Box Kisses by Loni Ree

    Disclaimer: I try not to give away too many spoilers or specifics, but overall this is a summary of the book and what I liked most about it. Some details are included.

    Oh I loved this book! Penalty Box Kisses is the second book in this hockey romance series. We met Ryan in Slap Shot Kisses as the brother of Harper and archnemesis of her man Jaxson. Well, Ryan got traded to Jaxson’s team in Seattle and is having a hard time getting settled and staying out of the tabloids. Rory is Mia’s roommate who is also besties with Harper. Rory’s mom is desperate to fix her up with a man and the options are bleak. The solution to both of their problems is to start fake dating.

    Ryan falls fast and hard at first sight. Rory holds out just a little bit longer, but their chemistry is off the charts immediately. I liked that Rory had an edgier look to her and her curves that matched her Italian sass. Ryan was all in from the beginning, it stopped being fake and became a real obsession. I was laughing the whole time when he met her loud chaotic family, in the best way.

    This was such a great instalove with just the right amount of spice. Really hoping Mia is in the next book, because I can’t wait to see her find her person.

    Favorite Quote: “I can’t picture my life without you in it. Without that smart mouth. Or your crazy family. Or even the way you hog the covers.” – Ryan

    Purchase Penalty Box Kisses HERE

    BREW: I’ve started back having a cup of spearmint tea at night to wind down. It’s caffeine free and has so many great benefits!

  • You Had Me At Get Lost by Nichole Rose

    Disclaimer: I try not to give away too many spoilers or specifics, but overall this is a summary of the book and what I liked most about it. Some details are included.

    The fourth book in the Sibling Goals series brings us the instalove romance of Briggs and Tia. Briggs is the youngest brother in the family with Tye, Harlan and Hattie who we’ve met in the previous books. Briggs has always been the peacekeeper of the family in their chaos of their mother. He has always felt protective and responsible for making sure Hattie was ok, but now that she is married to Sidney, Briggs is seeing that he can now focus on his own life and what he wants. What he wants is Tia.

    Tia is the sister of Kingston, another hockey player we met in another Nichole Rose book, “Fan Mail from a hockey star.” Tia has been burned by a hockey player in the past, so she initially has no intention of dating Briggs. But as these hockey players tend to be very persistent, Tia’s walls crumble brick by brick.

    I love the family aspect of this whole series and how much these siblings all love and care for one another. I also liked Brigg’s teammates and their willingness to help with the fundraiser like it was nothing.

    The chemistry between Briggs and Tia came in fast and hot! One second she was denying him and the next, she was pinned against the wall pulling him closer. She tries to deny him, but the heat between them is undeniable and makes for some great spicy scenes!

    Favorite Quote: “I’ve waited my whole life to hear those words, not from just any woman, but from this woman. From the one who sets me on fire and settles me at the same time. From the one who owns me, body and soul.”

    Purchase You Had Me At Get Lost HERE

    BREW: I’ve tried a new vodka soda seltzer that has been lovely. The brand is Stateside and there are multiple flavors to choose from. I’ve tried the Watermelon and the Lemon Cucumber. Both were subtle but delightful in flavor. The Lemon Cucumber reminded me of a spa, but with a nice buzz effect. Worth the try!

  • All In by Kat Baxter

    Disclaimer: I try not to give away too many spoilers or specifics, but overall this is a summary of the book and what I liked most about it. Some details are included.

    I am loving this Billionaire Cowboys series! We caught a glimpse of Leo and Juniper in Clover and Heath’s story “Give In”. When I first read Give In, I thought I must have missed Juniper and Leo’s story because we were at their wedding. But don’t worry, we get their full history and whole romance in All In.

    Leo is not the typical big, gruff and thick type of cowboy, he’s still got the muscles, just more of a lean tech genius. He and Juniper are a nerd match in heaven. Both of them escaping their normal life to dress up at Comic Con. Unfortunately, Juniper is avoiding a total creep, but luckily she grabs Leo and kisses him to dodge being seen. Best reaction ever! Leo immediately falls for Juniper and they spend the rest of the convention together.

    Both of them have some walls up, but not for long with the genuine connection they’re making. I loved how strong and sassy Juniper is and she is so confidently herself. The flirtatious banter was infectious, and I couldn’t get enough of their chemistry. I did wish for a little more spice because their chemistry was so good, but the scene we got was a good one.

    This was the last book in this series and I can’t wait to see what Kat comes out with next!

    Favorite Quote: “There’s a place near the hotel. Decent pizza. I scouted it on the drive in, which I recognize makes me sound like I had a whole plan, and I want to clarify that the plan was just find food, not meet a beautiful woman and seduce her with mozzarella.” – Leo

    Purchase All In HERE

    BREW: Taking a break from caffeine to hydrate today. I wish I could drink just plain water, but I can’t. I’ve been enjoying a brand of electrolytes called Waterboy. There hasn’t been one I haven’t liked yet. Today was a new limited edition flavor called Ken’s Juicy Peach and it was awesome! No sugar, so you can drink as much as you want!

  • Hooked by Hudson by Loni Ree

    Disclaimer: I try not to give away too many spoilers or specifics, but overall this is a summary of the book and what I liked most about it. Some details are included.

    I’ve been waiting to see Hudson Carrington fall hard and fast for his woman after making fun of his brothers, and I think he may have beat them. Hudson is the head of the ranch family and has been the more conservative uptight brother in the previous books. However, he was always so sweet with the women brought into the family, so I knew he was going to be a big softy.

    Hudson is in love at first sight, and rejection with Tinsley. I loved how he changed his approach with her when he realized she was stubborn and not a contract to be negotiated. Tinsley had me cracking up at how stubborn she was and every rejection she doled out lol. In the end, she couldn’t resist how sweet and genuine Hudson was with his feelings for her. She could see that he just wanted to support her, not control her.

    I’ve loved this whole series so far and really enjoyed the chemistry between Hudson and Tinsley. Just enough spicy scenes to get the heart rate up and make you blush a little bit 😉

    Favorite Quote: “There’s a place near the hotel. Decent pizza. I scouted it on the drive in, which I recognize makes me sound like I had a whole plan, and I want to clarify that the plan was just find food, not meet a beautiful woman and seduce her with mozzarella.” – Leo

    Purchase Hooked by Hudson HERE

    BREW: Another day of being powered by iced coffee! I have my favorite Stok cold brew that I buy unsweetened so I can add my favorite creamer of the day. Today was the Starbucks brown sugar sweet cream. Tastes like the brown sugar shaken espresso (yum!).

  • Unfortunate Games by Nichole Rose

    Disclaimer: I try not to give away too many spoilers or specifics, but overall this is a summary of the book and what I liked most about it. Some details are included.

    This is the first book in Nichole Rose’s new Game Changers series and oh my gawd what a start! Royce and Emelia have off the charts heat and chemistry starting in the first chapter. Royce is a goalie (yay hot hockey players!) and Emelia has just been hired as his publicist. She tries to maintain a professional boundary, but that doesn’t last long when you have Royce declaring you’re his future wife in the first meeting.

    Royce had me smiling and even blushing at times throughout the whole book. The man is intense in the best most “I know what I want” kind of way. Emelia says, “I don’t think I’m prepared for this man. Not even a little bit.” And girl, I felt that wholeheartedly.

    Emelia is a rockstar at her job and has boundaries for a reason. It’s hard for her to let go and trust Royce isn’t going to break her heart, but when she does they have the perfect instalove story.

    Loved Emelia’s friends in the book and cannot wait to read their upcoming stories in this series! We get a glimpse into what their scenarios are going to be and I’m pumped for these tropes they’re going to bring.

    Purchase Unfortunate Games HERE

    BREW: I just bought a new tea set and am so anxious to have a tea party with my friends and family. I have ordered a few teas from Harney & Sons that I’m really excited to try, so stay tuned for those reviews as well!