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!

  • 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!  

  • Gauge by Fiona Davenport

    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.

    Gauge brings us to book 11 in the Redline Kings MC series. Oh I love these protective men! Gauge runs The Pit garage where all the racers bring their rides. He runs a very structured life until Riley blows in. Now, the only thing he can focus on is her.

    It always feels significant when the man gives his real name for his woman to use, and I love when it happens immediately. It shows just how taken he already is. Riley is running from trouble she stumbled onto. She left the only life and place she had ever known, but she finds her place and her home with Gauge and The Pit. Fiona writes such badass female characters and Riley is definitely a badass! She has been around cars and bikes her whole life and not only held her own as a mechanic, she gained the respect of everyone around her.

    This almost felt like a slow burn with these two because so much happened before they finally got together. Once they did though, heat burned those pages! When a man can’t even make it to the bedroom and takes his woman up against the wall, you know it’s good!

    One more book in this series and I’m intrigued to see who captures Century’s attention!

    Favorite Quote: “Because the woman I fell in love with is honest, kind, independent, and the hardest worker I’ve ever met. You’re strong as hell – a total fucking badass.”  – Gauge  

    Purchase Gauge HERE

    BREW: I’m back with a new Starbucks fave. I’ve tried the new Horchata Shaken Espresso and it’s so yummy. With notes of Cinnamon and Vanilla, this was an instant hit with my tastebuds!

  • No Shelf Control 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.

    No Shelf Control is the 4th book in the Book of Love series. There is only one book left and I’m going to be so sad when this series is over. I’ve absolutely loved these women and living vicariously through them. Running a bookstore with your best friends? What a dream!

    Jasmine is a partner in the bookstore along with Lilah who we met in book 1. Jasmine has been a great side character in the previous books and I was so looking forward to her story. It absolutely didn’t disappoint. I love her fierce spirit in everything she does. The one and only thing she is scared of is falling for someone, and she gives River a run for his money.

    What I love about River is that he is instantly attracted to Jasmine exactly as she is, a total ballbuster. She insults him and throws a tantrum the first time they meet and he can’t help but tease her and become completely smitten. Another thing I love about River is he’s a romance author who writes women as the strong heroes of his stories. The way he talks about women is so empowering and lovely, I really wish he were real lol.

    Jasmine and River’s banter had me laughing out loud and their spicy romance had me fanning myself. This might have been my favorite of the series so far, but it’s a super close competition. Ready for the last book, but also sad to say goodbye to these ladies.

    Favorite Quote: “I don’t give a shit if there are a million other women in the world. There’s only one who calls me an insufferable ass and still makes my dick this hard. There’s only one who calls me annoyingly disagreeable and still makes me feel like a fucking king every time she smiles at me.” – River

    Purchase No Shelf Control HERE

    BREW: One of my favorite drinks is an iced brown sugar shaken espresso from Starbucks. However, that’s not always available, or affordable to have as much as I’d like. I found a Starbucks brown sugar sweet cream creamer available at the grocery store and it was as close to the real thing as you can get. I was very pleasantly surprised! If you love brown sugar, give it a try, worked in both hot and iced coffees!

  • Bronco by Mia Brody

    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.

    First book in a series titled “Cuddle a Cowboy”, you know this is going to be good! Absolutely loved this book and it was a great start to this series of handsome Cowboys on a ranch!

    Bronco is former military who has started a ranch to help other veterans transition from military to civilian life. He promised Lauren’s brother he would look out for her if anything ever happened to him. Bronco didn’t realize how hard he would fall for Lauren and how he would feel a kind of peace and comfort from being around her that he’s never felt before.

    Lauren has felt like a burden to everyone in her life, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. She has grown up in a retirement community and finds purpose in caring for the residents. Of course, she has fantasized about Bronco from the moment they met face to face, maybe even before. I liked Lauren’s sassy/teasing attitude with Bronco and her caring side she showed with the residents and her aunt. She has such a big heart!

    For an instalove, I felt a bit of a slow burn with Lauren and Bronco finally getting together. There were miscommunications that made me want to strangle both of them haha. But when they did get together, fireworks! Once that switch flipped for Bronco, he went from over protective alpha to passionate cowboy, always putting Lauren first.

    Loved the side characters as well. The nosey residents at the retirement community and the cowboys on the ranch were all hilarious. Super excited for the next book!

    Favorite Quote: “Don’t say anything. I love you. And if you don’t work through what’s going on in your head, then just know that I’m going to ache for you, for us, and everything that we could have been, for the rest of my life.” – Bronco

    Purchase Bronco HERE

    BREW: Pool season is officially here! Bringing out all my favorite poolside (or beach or lake) beverages. Starting with High Noons. A vodka soda that is light and crisp. There are so many different flavors, but my favorite is the pineapple! Where are you beating the heat? Pool, lake or beach?

  • Blitz by Fiona Davenport

    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.

    Blitz is Book 10 in the Redline Kings MC series. You know I love an MC series, it’s one of my favorites! Especially when the men are rich and choose the MC brotherhood. This was an ARC read for me and I was so excited to read it because I always enjoy Fiona Davenport, but somehow I missed this series. Starting with Book 10 might give away a plot reveal, I fully intend to start from the beginning now, because I definitely enjoyed this book. It can be read as a standalone I think, but again, might have a plot spoiler.

    Looking at Blitz “Canyon” and Aubrey, they have so much chemistry and I was smiling ear to ear at how fast he fell. What starts as a plot for revenge, pretty much immediately turns to Blitz knowing Aubrey is his and he doesn’t want to do anything to risk losing her.

    Age gap loves are a fine line for me, but this was done well. Aubrey is in college and younger than Blitz, but I felt like they complimented each other perfectly. Also loved seeing these tough MC bikers be so sweet with the kids and taking turns with kid duty to give the moms a break!

    Great instalove story and absolutely recommend starting from the beginning like I plan to do now 😉

    Favorite Quote: “I’m done letting guilt hide how I feel. I love you, sunshine. I’m all in.” – Blitz

    Purchase Blitz HERE

    BREW: I needed a frozen treat with this 90 degree heat, so a frosted lemonade from Chick fil A was a must! I see a lot of people making their own slushies at home and this made me want to figure out how to make that happen. What is it about hot weather and crazing lemonade? What’s your favorite summer drink?

  • Slap Shot 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.

    Not sure about you, but I can’t get enough of hot hockey player romances after binging Off Campus. Slap Shot Kisses was just enough to take the edge off. I really enjoyed this book and the forbidden romance between Jaxson and Harper.

    Harper has some solid rules about not dating athletes, especially her brother’s biggest enemy rival. But damn, how can you resist a big, strong man nicknamed Ice Wall? You can’t. You really can’t when he goes out of his way to show you what a marshmallow he is inside for you.

    I loved how tough Harper was and how Loni highlighted the grueling hours an ER nurse works and how strong nurses are overall. When Harper stands up to her brother and threatens him, I was cheering her on, fist in air!

    Jaxson just melted my heart. He was so lonely and closed off that my heart ached for him in the first couple chapters. The way he immediately starts opening up and bringing down his walls after meeting Harper and not giving up on getting a chance with her, total swoon.

    Really excited for the next book in this series that will feature Harper’s brother! Can’t wait to see him brought down 😉

    Favorite Quote: “She’s in firecracker mode, chin high, eyes blazing, practically vibrating with protective rage. I’ll be honest. I’m kinda turned on. And maybe a little terrified.” – Jaxson

    Get Slap Shot Kisses HERE

    BREW: It’s rainy here again today, so I made a hot cup of green tea with a little lemon and mint. So cozy!