Review: Faceoff by Rebecca Connolly, Heather B. Moore, Sophia Summers

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

She isn’t supposed to want him. He isn’t supposed to want her. But wanting each other is inevitable.

Clint McCarthy has finally achieved his dream of playing for a professional hockey program, and is eager to make his mark with his new team. While getting settled in his new city, he happens across Bree Stone, whom he has known for years, with their respective brothers both being in the famed Belltown Six Pack. But for the life of him, he can’t remember Bree ever looking so attractive. Or being so captivating. Or taking over his every waking thought.

In the middle of her graduate degree, Bree has no time or desire for working on her dating life, or lack thereof, but the impossibly handsome Clint McCarthy coming back into her life makes everything complicated. She shouldn’t be focusing on him, or on them, not when her professional future hangs in the balance. But once she hears about Clint’s past with the Northbrook Hockey Elite program, and where that program stands now, Bree just might find a way to make her career, and a future with Clint, come to life.

My Review

Yay!!! I'm so happy there is another sports romance series from this trio of authors! There is a tie-in from the Belltown Sixpack characters, but this one is definitely all hockey. I think what makes these books stand out to me is how effortlessly well-developed the characters are; I feel like I get to know them quickly and their personalities are unique. Clint is in a major transition of his life and while he's capable and confident, we also see a vulnerable side of him as he gets used to his new circumstances. I love how his friendship with Bree progresses naturally to romance and the maturity they both have in their relationship as they fall in love but also realize that there are major parts of each others lives that they choose not to compete with, rather, they support and encourage each other. And they have *great* chemistry! Bree has not been a hockey fan but learns the game for Clint's sake which was super sweet and fun how it impresses him. I enjoyed the descriptions of the game play and how it brought the emotion and intensity of the players to life. We are introduced to the characters the future books in the series will feature- the alumni from Clint's youth hockey league who are working together to revitalize the program. I am so excited to continue reading this series, especially after such a strong first book!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

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Welcome to Northbrook Hockey Elite! 

Six professional hockey players used to play on an elite club team together, but have all separated and now play in the pro-hockey leagues. Not all of them were friends, yet circumstances bring them together, and for the greater good, maybe they can put aside their differences.

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Northbrook Hockey Elite series:

About the Authors

Rebecca Connolly

Rebecca Connolly writes romances, both period and contemporary, because she absolutely loves a good love story. She has been creating stories since childhood, and there are home videos to prove it! She started writing them down in elementary school and has never looked back. She currently lives in the Midwest, spends every spare moment away from her day job absorbed in her writing, and is a hot cocoa addict.

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BookBub | Website | Newsletter 

Heather B. Moore

Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestselling author of more than fifty publications. Her historical novels and thrillers are written under pen name H.B. Moore. She writes women's fiction, romance, and inspirational non-fiction under Heather B. Moore. This can all be confusing, so her kids just call her Mom.

Heather attended Cairo American College in Egypt, the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University in Utah. Heather is represented by Dystel, Goderich, and Bourret.

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Sophia Summers

Sophia Summers is an award winning author who just wants to relax a little and enjoy a great beach read. She lives in a quiet southern town brimming with an extra dose of hospitality and a

whole lot of charm.

She writes historical romance under a different name. You can follow her on www.sophiasummers.com. Be SURE to join her Newsletter for freebies and fun. 

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Review, Excerpt & Giveaway: My Fair Spinster by Rebecca Connolly

About the Book

Series: The Spinster Chronicles

Genre: Adult, Historical, Regency, Romance

Publisher: Phase Publishing

Publication date: October 1, 2019

The spinster next door…

Grace Morledge is a failure. Or so her father believes, as she is unmarried despite her advantages. In his mind, Grace must have significant flaws to be a spinster and something must be done about them. To her mortification, he demands she be fully examined and all flaws recorded. And the man he chooses is the worst possible candidate of all.

Aubrey Flint, Lord Ingram, has known Grace since childhood, but he never anticipated Lord Trenwick demanding he examine her for flaws. How can perfection have faults? Reluctantly, he accepts the assignment, and finds far more than he bargained for, and perfection becomes more and more tempting.

GOODREADS | AMAZON

About the Author

Rebecca Connolly writes romances, both period and contemporary, because she absolutely loves a good love story. She has been creating stories since childhood, and there are home videos to prove it! She started writing them down in elementary school and has never looked back. She currently lives in the Midwest, spends every spare moment away from her day job absorbed in her writing, and is a hot cocoa addict.

GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM

BOOKBUB | WEBSITE | NEWSLETTER | AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Excerpt

"They were smart to include you."  

Grace jerked slightly to look at him again. "What?"  

He nodded fervently. "I mean it. Georgie is no fool, Grace, and I have no doubt she made a study of the other unmarried women in Society. You are the best of the lot. It was only natural they should choose you."  

Her heart leapt for joy and seemed to be burning within her. "You don’t know the rest of the lot, Aubrey." 

"Don’t have to," he quipped. "I know you." 

Oh, but the look in his eyes made her feel like a lovesick girl of twelve again, and it was all she could do to keep from smiling an accompanying lovesick smile that would have been entirely too obvious.  

 Not that she was lovesick. She was simply touched. And embarrassed. And perhaps a bit feverish.  

That was all.  

Aubrey blinked and the look was gone. He slapped his thighs and rose fluidly, running a hand through his hair and disheveling it in a way that reminded her of the boy she had known in Derbyshire, and her heart lurched. 

"Well, I suppose that’s enough for today," he rambled, his words not quite as crisp as normal. "I will see you tomorrow at the Sterlings’, and I will assess your interaction with various people at that point."  

Grace slowly rose, watching Aubrey curiously. "Very well. Miranda will be there, you know. We could confront her."  

"Yes, yes, excellent thought," he replied absently. "I’ll bring my suit of armor for whatever she tosses in retaliation." 

Grace laughed at the image that brought, and Aubrey seemed to shudder at it.  

"Right," he said, turning to her and bowing. "Good day, Grace."  

"Good day, Aubrey." He left before she finished, and she stared after him, still curious. 

What in the world?  

Then her mother crossed the corridor, casting another knowing look at Grace. All curiosity and delight evaporated swidftly, and Grace snapped back into discontent, moving quickly towards the music room. 

He was not good for her.  

He couldn’t be.

Review

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Another fun installment of the Spinster Chronicles! I love how the author shows the variety of personalities of the different young ladies and their relationships with each other through the dialogue and banter they share. The books don't have to be read in order, but readers will definitely want to get to all of them at some point because the friendships they share make the characters from the previous books more than just a cameo appearance, but rather a strong supporting cast. I've been excited to read Grace's story and see how she manages to find love in spite of her overbearing, over-managing, somewhat tyrannical father. The fact that Aubrey is a family friend from Grace's childhood made me love the story even more, I'm a sucker for the friends-to-lovers theme. But since this one was more like reunited-friends-to-lovers, we get to see them get to know each other again and develop a more meaningful friendship that blossoms into romance. A story that was so enjoyable to read and savor! 

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions expressed in this review are my own)

Giveaway

Giveaway ends October 4 at 11:59pm MT. Giveaway is subject to policies HERE.

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Tour Schedule

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Review: By Hook or by Rook by Rebecca Connolly

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

The most dangerous journeys...

Jeremy Pratt is a spy for the Crown, and one of the best. He had been in more dangerous situations than he can admit, and has always come out unscathed. But escorting his colleague's cousin home to her family, even in disguise, just might be beyond his skills, and the temptation beyond his ability to withstand.

May be ones of the heart...

Helen Dalton is convinced there is more to this man escorting her than meets the eye, and something familiar about him, as well. There is only one man in the world who looks at her so intensely, banters with her so easily, and makes her blush so furiously. And when he manages a daring and heroic rescue, she wonders if she ever knew him at all.

My Review

I loved the dynamic between Helen and Jeremy! It's a bit complicated and being caught up in the middle of a dangerous mission doesn't exactly help iron things out. Helen and Jeremy both have a deeper personality than they portray to each other during the Season, and while they shared a mutual attraction and pleasant rapport, it isn't until they discover new aspects of each other on their journey that they truly fall in love. The banter is oh-so-fun to read and the pace of the plot is kept steady with the action and adventure. Another fabulous addition to the London League series!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

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Don't miss the previous books in the London League series . . .

Cover Reveal & Giveaway: My Fair Spinster by Rebecca Connolly

About the Book

Series: The Spinster Chronicles
Genre: Adult, Historical, Regency, Romance  
Publisher: Phase Publishing  
Publication date: October 1, 2019

The spinster next door… 

Grace Morledge is a failure. Or so her father believes, as she is unmarried despite her advantages. In his mind, Grace must have significant flaws to be a spinster and something must be done about them. To her mortification, he demands she be fully examined and all flaws recorded. And the man he chooses is the worst possible candidate of all.

Aubrey Flint, Lord Ingram, has known Grace since childhood, but he never anticipated Lord Trenwick demanding he examine her for flaws. How can perfection have faults? Reluctantly, he accepts the assignment, and finds far more than he bargained for, and perfection becomes more and more tempting.

Amazon | Goodreads

About the Author

Rebecca Connolly writes romances, both period and contemporary, because she absolutely loves a good love story. She has been creating stories since childhood, and there are home videos to prove it! She started writing them down in elementary school and has never looked back. She currently lives in the Midwest, spends every spare moment away from her day job absorbed in her writing, and is a hot cocoa addict.

GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM

BOOKBUB | WEBSITE | NEWSLETTER | AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

The Cover Reveal

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

(1) winner will receive an e-copy of the book upon release.

Giveaway ends September 30th at 11:59pm MT. 

Giveaway is subject to policies HERE.

Cover Reveal Blog Stops

Check out the other stops participating in the cover reveal HERE.

Review: The Rivals of Rosennor Hall by Rebecca Connolly

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

One estate. Two heirs. No rules, only battle lines.

Sophia Anson does not have much in her life to call her own and never has. Nothing surprises or delights her more than to suddenly be named mistress of Rosennor Hall, and from a relation she had never heard of nor met at that. But her elation is short lived, for she is not the only heir to the estate, and the will is very specific. The two of them are to share Rosennor. Together.

Larkin Roth does not have time nor energy to deal with the twisted and ridiculous legacy left to him and the fair but fiery Miss Anson. He is determined to stand his ground and fight for every inch of the estate he can get, and he does not care what happens to her in the process. But a life in the same house as Sophia Anson could never be simple, and soon he finds himself thinking of her as more than just his enemy, and of Rosennor as more than just his inheritance.

My Review

I loved the unique twist in the plot of this book! Sophia and Larkin not only inherit Rosennor Hall together, but the will stipulates that the contents of the rooms and land that Larkin inherits belong to Sophia, and vice versa, among other crazy details. So much fodder for pranks... Larkin and Sophia initially despise each other because of the situation and the reactions they so easily pull from each other. I loved seeing them soften towards each other as they get to know the true character of their archnemesis ;) Larkin's mother has some sort of dimensia so she joins them on the estate as the "chaperone" and I loved the way Sophia had such a compassionate spirit for her. A fun and often surprising Regency story!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

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The Rivals of Rosennor Hall is part of the ENTANGLED INHERITANCE series, a set of stand-alone regency romance novels. Look for the complete collection of stories by these incredible authors:

A Provision for Love by Heather Chapman
 

His Unexpected Heiress by Sally Britton
 

An Unwelcome Suitor by Ashtyn Newbold

Review: Kissing on Third by Heather B. Moore, Rebecca Connolly, Sophia Summers

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

His past will never go away. Hers has left deep scars. Together, maybe they can build something new.

Levi Cox carved his baseball game out of the dirt. The hard way. Bouncing between foster homes as a kid, and trying everything he could do to protect his kid brother from bullies, Levi backs down from no one and has a record to prove it. Baseball has given him a purpose and a career. A way to provide for his brother. When Levi meets Finley Gray, he finds things happening to his heart that he never thought possible. She has her own broken past, using boxing as her outlet. Yet the more Levi gets to know Finley, the more he’s convinced they belong together. Breaking through Finley’s tough exterior might be Levi’s hardest challenge ever. But he has a feeling it will be more than worth it.

My Review

The tough exteriors of both these athletes hide their vulnerabilities, but together they allow each other to explore their deeper feelings, not just of a romantic nature, but the issues they are struggling with. I appreciated how genuine Levi is with Finley, even with his charming lines- he is sincere about them. He's not a player since he's been so focused on his career and brother, which made me like him even more. He's hesitant to move too fast for Finley, but the advice of his baseball brothers help him see that he shouldn't play it too cool. I admired the determination of both of them to go after what they want. A satisfying conclusion to the Belltown Sixpack series! These books can be easily read in any order- don't miss them!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

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Welcome to Belltown! Six baseball players meet in the college town of Belltown, Massachusetts, becoming best friends, their lives intertwining as they each get called up to the Major Leagues.

Follow Sawyer, Cole, Axel, David, Ryker, and Levi in these six swoony sports romances.

Belltown Six Pack Series:
 
Hitching the Pitcher
Falling for Centerfield
Charming the Shortstop
Snatching the Catcher
Flirting with First
Kissing on Third

Review: Flirting With First by Sophia Summers, Heather B. Moore, Rebecca Connolly

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Trista’s movie star status keeps her from the one guy she’s ever really wanted—professional baseball player, Ryker Stone.

Ryker Stone, one of the famed Belltown Six Pack loves what no one else notices in Trista McKinney. But when co-star and heart throb, Trevor Dayton, starts a social media campaign, competing for her attention, and Ryker’s baseball schedule and pressures amp up, Ryker lays it all on the line to win her over forever.

Trista McKinney doesn’t need winning. She’s been Ryker’s from the very beginning, but her movie’s production schedule and her dreams of one day winning an Oscar make it almost impossible for things to progress between the two.

With feelings high, both of their careers in the balance, can Trista and Ryker find a path to professional success without losing what they’ve found in each other?

My Review

It was so fun to see the continuation of a meeting that happened between two people in one of the previous Belltown books! Ryker fills in for Cole when he decides to ditch the famous actress his agent set him up with, and Ryker's friendship with Trista moves to the next level in this book. It was interesting to see Trista's insecurities and secret passion for math that makes acting and modeling just another job for her. Ryker is a good friend to her, but he's trying to play it cool so that she'll stay interested in him. I love the perspective of the guys and realizing how differently they think and perceive things. I enjoyed the personal side of their relationship, but the media side of their lives was not only frustrating and exhausting to them, it was to me as a reader. But that really drove the conflict and the plot, so I kept reading and appreciated the way Ryker and Trista handled the hype and obstacles along the way as they grew closer together. The dynamic of the Belltown Sixpack was as always a highlight of the book for me, it really makes this series stand out!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

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Welcome to Belltown! Six baseball players meet in the college town of Belltown, Massachusetts, becoming best friends, their lives intertwining as they each get called up to the Major Leagues.

Follow Sawyer, Cole, Axel, David, Ryker, and Levi in these six swoony sports romances.

Belltown Six Pack Series:
 
Hitching the Pitcher
Falling for Centerfield
Charming the Shortstop
Snatching the Catcher
Flirting with First
Kissing on Third

Cover Reveal & Giveaway: By Hook or By Rook by Rebecca Connolly

About the Book

Series: The London League  
Genre: Adult, Historical, Regency, Romance  
Publisher: Phase Publishing  
Publication date: July 1, 2019

The most dangerous journeys...

Jeremy Pratt is a spy for the Crown, and one of the best. He has been in more dangerous situations than he can admit, and has always come out unscathed. But escorting his colleague’s cousin home to her family, even in disguise, just might be beyond his skills, and the temptation beyond his ability to withstand.

...May be ones of the heart...

Helen Dalton is convinced there is more to this man escorting her than meets the eye, and something familiar about him, as well. There is only one man in the world who looks at her so intensely, banters with her so easily, and makes her blush so furiously. And when he manages a daring and heroic rescue, she wonders if she ever knew him at all.

About the Author

Rebecca Connolly writes romances, both period and contemporary, because she absolutely loves a good love story. She has been creating stories since childhood, and there are home videos to prove it! She started writing them down in elementary school and has never looked back. She currently lives in the Midwest, spends every spare moment away from her day job absorbed in her writing, and is a hot cocoa addict.

GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | BOOKBUB | WEBSITE | NEWSLETTER | AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Cover Reveal

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What do you think?

Giveaway

(1) winner will recieve a print copy of By Hook or by Rook (US mailing addresses only).

Giveaway ends June 24 at 11:59pm MT. Giveaway is subject to policies HERE.

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