Don't Go Knotting My Heart by Ava Ross [Review]

Don't Go Knotting My Heart (Monsterville, USA #2) by Ava Ross
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: May 30, 2023

Monsterville, USA
Candy for My Orc Boss
Orc Me Baby One More Time
1. Gargoyles Just Want to Have Fun
2. Don't Go Knotting My Heart - Paperback | Kindle
3. Whose Bed Have Your Claws Been Under?
4. Uptown Orge
5. Oops, I Elf'd It Again
6. My Orc-y Breaky Heart
7. Hold Me Closer, Fiery Phoenix
8. Who Let the Demon Out?

Ava Ross
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

I’m falling for a wolf shifter, but my past may endanger us both.

I escaped a life of fear for the beautiful mountainous town of Monsterville, where I meet Storm, a gorgeous wolf shifter. His wolfish ways and heady kisses draw me in, and the future he offers, one full of peace and love, makes me long for a life I never thought I’d find.

He invites me to a wolf pack reunion, where things between us only get better. But my past haunts me, and if I don’t flee, they’ll drag me back and lock me up in a place where Storm will never find me.

Thoughts on Don't Go Knotting My Heart: Luna and Storm are up and OH MAN. Storm gets so flustered around Luna at first that he basically bolts upon seeing her. Which is a little funny. Also, talking Goreg into taking him to Luna's grooming shop (in his wolf form) so he can be around her is just...Really, Storm? REALLY? Ha!

Anywho. Once Storm got over his lady-love jitters, things started moving in the right direction. Their biggest hurdle? Luna's afraid to tell him her secret and refuses to put him or anyone else in town in danger from her power-hungry brother. Which means it's not all smooth sailing for this couple.

That said, these monsters (and their various humans) aren't afraid to throw down when one of their own is threatened. Which is fortunate because Luna's brother needs someone to stand their ground against him.

A little danger, a lady on the run, found family, wolves, wolves, and more wolves, and a whole lot of together time. *thumbs up*

RtP's Week in Review (04/28/24)

Reading the Paranormal's Week in Review

• Undone by Leslie McAdams [Review] - V&V love!
• Showstopper by Regina Kyle [Review] - More V&V love!
• Unforgettable by Marley Valentine [Review] - Even MORE V&V love!
• Stronghold by Ana Ashley [Review] - OMG! MOAR V&V LOVE!
• Passing Notes by Nora Everly [Review] - We're back in Green Valley!
• Gargoyles Just Want to Have Fun by Ava Ross [Review] - Monster love!
• Bout of Books 40 - It's COMING!

Bookish Delights

• Books added to the pile
• Miracle Mountain (Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper #20) by J.L. Bryan - For review!
• The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy (Hart and Mercy #1) by Megan Bannen
• The Scarecrow's Queen (Monster's Duet) by Naomi Lucas & Mel Braxton
• Currently reading 
• Mated to the Swamp Monster by Honey Phillips

Bout of Books 40

That's right, my little darlings, it's almost that time again! Time to get our read on with Bout of Books! *insert wild cheering here* And, you guessed it, I will be participating. Go forth and sign up on the Bout of Books blog! You won't regret it.

For those that don't know what Bout of Books is... here you go:

The Bout of Books readathon is organized by Amanda Shofner and Kelly Rubidoux Apple. It’s a weeklong readathon that begins 12:01am Monday, May 13th and runs through Sunday, May 19th in YOUR time zone. Bout of Books is low-pressure. There are reading sprints, daily Discord questions, and exclusive Instagram challenges, but they’re all completely optional. For all Bout of Books 40 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

JOIN US! No, really. Join us. It's totally fun. WITH BOOKS!

Gargoyles Just Want to Have Fun by Ava Ross [Review]

Gargoyles Just Want to Have Fun (Monsterville, USA #1) by Ava Ross
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: May 27, 2023

Monsterville, USA
Candy for My Orc Boss
Orc Me Baby One More Time
1. Gargoyles Just Want to Have Fun - Paperback | Kindle
2. Don't Go Knotting My Heart
3. Whose Bed Have Your Claws Been Under?
4. Uptown Orge
5. Oops, I Elf'd It Again
6. My Orc-y Breaky Heart
7. Hold Me Closer, Fiery Phoenix
8. Who Let the Demon Out?

Ava Ross
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

There’s more to being a gargoyle’s wife than just saying I do.

While struggling to raise my little sister, I suddenly inherit a run-down B&B from a grandmother I didn’t know existed. The only condition to inherit is that I marry and live with my husband for a year.

One problem. I’m not dating, and the only one I want to propose to is the gargoyle I’ve been crushing on for months. When I explain, Goreg offers a marriage of convenience with a quickie divorce at the end. He’s sweet and shy, and with his muscular frame and glorious wings, I’m kind of blown away by his offer even if he does occasionally turn to stone and lurk on the roof.

I’ve got one year to convince Goreg we have a chance at forever. But then his brothers and wolf shifter best friend move in to help fix up the B&B, and it’s one cultural mishap after another. When the year is up, I’ll have to decide. Do I want to be single again or remain a gargoyle’s bride?

Thoughts on Gargoyles Just Want to Have Fun: Okay. We're stepping into Monsterville where a freshly relocated human lady needs to find someone to marry so she can claim her inheritance. Which, honestly, could have turned out pretty badly because Violet didn't know many people in town so it's not like she had a huge catalog of suitors to draw from.

Fortunately (for both her AND Goreg), the gargoyle she's been crushing on happened to be in the right place at the right time and soon the two are tying the knot. Unfortunately, there was a lot of cultural things that got glossed over since they basically rushed into the wedding. On the other hand, gargoyles seem pretty secretive, so maybe that stuff would have been glossed over even if they'd been together for a while.

Anywho. Violet and Goreg. She's trying to take care of her family the best way she knows how and he's sort of the black sheep of his family (not necessarily in a bad way, but Goreg definitely doesn't follow the traditional gargoyle path). They get to know one another on the fly and with Goreg's brothers interfering in the way only gargoyle brothers can.

Family, friends, a big house, some questionable serenading, and more than a few steamy kisses. Good stuff!

Passing Notes by Nora Everly [Review]

Passing Notes (Teachers' Lounge #1) by Nora Everly
Format: ebook
Source: provided for review
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: March 10, 2024

Teachers' Lounge
1. Passing Notes - Paperback | Kindle
2. Band Together

Nora Everly
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

When the one who got away moves in next door…

Clara Hill wants to be left alone.
Sitting on her porch watching everyone else’s lives go by is way more fun than dealing with her own problems.

Or at least that’s what she thought.

Now that her secret high school sweetheart is her next door neighbor, she’s not so sure anymore.
Being back in Green Valley was hard enough without having her first love right there within touching distance.
Especially when he’s so stubbornly determined to flash his unforgettable smile at her every chance he gets and reminding her of when she thought she’d found her happily ever after.

Once upon a time, Nick Easton thought he had it all.

A football scholarship, his dream girl, and a future so bright he couldn’t wait to get started.
But, like everything else in his life, it all came toppling down.
Now he’s content to raise his kids, teach English, and coach football at Green Valley High.
He has no time for things like romance, and dating, and starting over…
He’s fine being alone.
Who needs love?

But when he catches a glimpse of his new neighbor his quiet little world turns upside down, lighting a fire that makes him determined to reclaim all he thought was gone forever.

After all these years, can he convince Clara to give him another shot?
Or will their love story stay hidden in their past?

Thoughts on Passing Notes: Clara, the next of the Hill sisters who's trying to live down her family's reputation in Green Valley, is up and her special someone is her next door neighbor. Who happens to be the boy she loved in high school. Who she thinks left her high and dry when they were planning on being together when they were younger.

Yeah, Nick and Clara have a little baggage. They both had their hearts broken by the other and they have both never forgot how they felt together.

But they had to get past that baggage before they could BE together.

To be blunt, Nick was willing to talk, it was Clara who kept digging in her heels because she didn't want to deal with the pain of digging through their past. But seeing one another every day (whether at home or at the school they both work at) starts to chip away at her walls. It takes some serious sibling (and BFFs) support, before she's willing to take things to more than a superficial level.

On Nick's side, Clara is the best part of his days. Seeing her, watching her interact with his kids (who adore her, btw), and feeling that old spark light up again whenever she's near is exactly what he needs. It takes time and patience and an 11th hour confession before things REALLY start moving.

Secrets, a horrible (ex)boss, kiddos who really dig their next door neighbor, lots of plants, a little friendly neighborly rivalry, a man who never stopped loving his (secret) high school sweetheart, and a lady who likes to bury her emotions until they can't be contained anymore. GOOD STUFF!

Grab your copy TODAY!

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3SGScU6
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CVJRXNRZ
Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CVJRXNRZ
Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CVJRXNRZ
AppleBooks: https://apple.co/3UIFXZV
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/passing-notes-3
Google Play: http://tinyurl.com/yr8u9ez9
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/208424606-passing-notes

Stronghold by Ana Ashley [Review]

Stronghold (Vino and Veritas) by Ana Ashley
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: April 8, 2024

Vino and Veritas
Roommate
Featherbed
Headstrong
Heartscape
Aftermath
Undercover
Booklover
Flipcup
Hideaway
Unguarded
Turnabout
Daybreak
Insatiable
Heartsong
Limelight
Undone
Showstopper
Unforgettable
Stronghold - Paperback | Kindle

Related Series:
(find all the books in the series on the 1st book review)
The Busy Bean
1. Sweetheart

In Vino Veritas
1. Wildfire

Moo U
1. Boyfriend

Speakeasy
1. Touchstone

True North
1. Bittersweet

Ana Ashley
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

A second chance at love? Or a second chance to ruin everything?

When Skyler spots the new bartender at Vino and Veritas, his body responds before the guy even turns around. But when he does, it takes only a heartbeat for recognition to set in and for sparks to fly. Judson’s been gone for ten years, but he’s the man Skyler never forgot. Or forgave.

The last place Judson wants to be is back home in Burlington, living with family. Not so long ago he was a world-class chef with the lifestyle to prove it. Now he’s serving drinks and flying under the radar until he can get the hell out again. But when his childhood best friend reenters his life, looking finer than any entree at a five-star restaurant, he wonders if it’s time to update his menu of life choices.

Working through past wounds with Skyler won’t be easy, though, especially with family obligations--and the occasional dairy cow--interfering. When their loyalty is tested, will their newly built stronghold be sturdy enough to withstand the storm?

Thoughts on Stronghold: Life and a little case of miscommunication sent Skyler and Judson in different directions years before, but they're both back in Burlington and...well, they have things they need to work out. THINGS. Judson turning tail and running away did a number on both their hearts although the other didn't realize it at the time. Or even until it was spelled out.

Yeah, miscommunication. These two had it and it caused a bit of a rift. Do I understand where Judson was coming from when he turned tail and ran? Yeah. I can. Judson had to be comfortable in his own skin before he could feel like a match for Skyler. Throw in that Jud didn't realize that Skyler's sexuality ran toward men and...let's just say they had a lot to discuss.

On Skyler's end, Judson's return is a bit of a shock. He's happy to have him back, but losing your best friend without any warning can do a number on a guy. Still, he's willing to step back into their friendship if Jud is. That said, Skyler's dealing with a kind of lot. His family issues are a little complicated and he's put his life on hold to help his family through a rough patch while still working full steam on his own (successful) business. A chance to move his business forward with his old best friend at his side seems like a dream. Especially since he kinda sorta maybe wants more than that friendship thing they had before.

A little time spent at V&V, food, a maple festival, brainstorming, smoking kisses, a chef who's trying to find himself after seeing his dreams get dashed, and a sugarmaker who'd been guarding his heart until a certain BFF came back into the picture. Good stuff!

Unforgettable by Marley Valentine [Review]

Unforgettable (Vino and Veritas) by Marley Valentine
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: May 13, 2023

Vino and Veritas
Roommate
Featherbed
Headstrong
Heartscape
Aftermath
Undercover
Booklover
Flipcup
Hideaway
Unguarded
Turnabout
Daybreak
Insatiable
Heartsong
Limelight
Undone
Showstopper
Unforgettable - Paperback | Kindle
Stronghold

Related Series:
(find all the books in the series on the 1st book review)
The Busy Bean
1. Sweetheart

In Vino Veritas
1. Wildfire

Moo U
1. Boyfriend

Speakeasy
1. Touchstone

True North
1. Bittersweet

Marley Valentine
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

One night with Reeve Hale wasn’t enough. I knew it when I kissed him, I knew it when I slept with him, and I was certain of it when I walked out of his motel room the very next day.

So when the shy, gorgeous man is introduced as our newest employee at Vino and Veritas, I can’t help but conjure up all the ridiculous ways to convince him to repeat that unforgettable night. Like asking him to be my fake boyfriend at my sister’s upcoming wedding.

Only, I didn’t expect him to say yes.

Playing pretend shouldn’t feel this real. Especially when Reeve is planning on leaving Vermont after the summer.

We agreed to one night. We negotiated a fake relationship. But I’m the one who broke our terms. I wasn’t supposed to fall in love and he was never supposed to be so unforgettable.

Thoughts on Unforgettable: What was supposed to be a one night stand turns into something more when Reeve gets a job at V&V, the place Oz happens to work at. That might have been fine since they're both adults and can probably deal with working with one another after hooking up, but Oz needs a boyfriend/date for his sister's wedding and who better than the guy he can't stop thinking about.

Yeah, that got complicated fast, didn't it? Regardless, Oz and Reeve agree to do the fake dating thing and it's both the easiest and the hardest thing for both of them. Easy, because acting like a couple seems to come naturally to both of them. Hard, because they're both catch feelings pretty quickly and they know this fake dating thing has a expiration date. Given that Reeve has made no secret of his plan to head back home once summer is over that expiration date is pretty hard.

So, both of our guys have family issues. Reeve's are of the absentee variety and he tends to try to overcompensate for their attention by doing whatever he thinks they want him to do. He very much toes the line even if it's killing him slowly inside. On the other hand, Oz's parents are kind of blind to the way their offhand comments about his future are hurting him. It takes a little time and a little honest conversation before things get better there.

A smokin' night, some soul searching, Oz's unexpected talent, and a little push from Reeve's sister. GOOD STUFF.