Sportsball romances are usually not my thing because my understanding of professional sportsing is very limited. All I know is that it usually involves a ball of some kind and that it’s acceptable for the dudes to pat each other on the butt. The last sports book I read was League of Denial so that should tell you something right there. Now, I make an exception when it comes to hockey for two reasons. 1. … Continue reading Hard Hitter by Sarina Bowen
Luck Is No Lady by Amy Sandas is 99c! This is the first book in the Fallen Ladies series and it came out earlier this year. I’m also loving the cover for this one. Many readers mentioned good book noises after finishing this romance, while others felt the romance between the hero and heroine wasn’t very convincing. It has a 3.9-star rating on Goodreads.
Bittersweet by Sarina Bowen is 99c at Amazon! It doesn’t seem to be a Kindle Daily Deal, so hopefully it’ll start being price-matched. I’ve heard great things about this book and it has a 4.1-star rating on Goodreads. Readers loved the writing and sense of place created, but others found there to be too much farm talk and a lackluster romance. Have you read this one?
TL;DR: If you want to pretend that you’re getting fuzzy warm equality feels, but actually like stereotyping gay men, this is an A+ gold star book. The story is competent. There are cute moments. It’s hot. I get why this is a RITA finalist and why there are a bunch of squeeing reviews on Amazon. If you’re at all remotely anywhere on the queer spectrum, or, you know, if you’re an actual ally? You might … Continue reading Him by Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen
While Wes is now sort of “don’t ask, don’t tell” out to his hockey teammates and coaches at college, he was only really coming to terms with his sexuality when he was eighteen and crushing hard on his best friend at hockey camp. Absolutely desperate for an excuse to touch him, he made a drunken bet and subsequently freaked out after he and his best friend fooled around one very memorable time. Feeling horribly guilty, … Continue reading Him by Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen
RECOMMENDED: Dumplin’ by Julie Murphy is a Kindle Daily Deal for $1.99! I mentioned this book on a previous Whatcha Reading. I highly recommend this book, especially if you love Dolly Parton. It’s funny and emotional, and the struggles Willowdean faces as a “self-proclaimed fat girl” will relate to many who suffered from those awkward teen years. Seriously, get this book.
Knowing the Score by Kat Latham is $1.99! This is a contemporary sports romance – set in the world of rugby. I mentioned this book on a previous podcast episode. It has a 3.7 average, and readers at GR liked the humor and the dialogue between the hero and heroine (though some reviews warn of a slow start to the story). Kat Latham also made an appearance in this year’s DABWAHA tournament!
The Year We Fell Down by Sarina Bowen is $2.99! This is the first book in The Ivy Years series and was brought to our attention by reader Cat, who did some serious squeeing over this book:
As I commented on Sarina Bowen’s Facebook post about the sale, I devoured-yet-savored this like I would cheesecake. I whipped through this thing on a Saturday night because it was so engrossing but at the same time I just marveled at it, like, “How is this book so good?” Bowen does a great job of portraying disability in romance, and just likeComing in from the Cold she took a plot angle that makes the whole romance genre seem fresh again–I mean, I love the concept of genre and its constrictions and its tropes (I swear having a guaranteed happy ending is my favorite thing about romance, too many nasty shocks from mysteries and then of course fantasy…I’m a bit of a genre geek) but I love when authors can play with those tropes (cough Courtney Milan cough) or create something fresh and exciting even within various constraints.
Anyone interested? I know I am.
