Book Review - BARRETT by Laramie Briscoe

 

Title: Barratt (Broken Falls, #4) 

Author: Laramie Briscoe 

Genre:Contemporary Romance

Release Date:July 26, 2024 

Hosted by: Buoni Amici Press, LLC.

Barrett Grant is wild AF with hips he knows how to use, and he’s also eleven years younger than me…

Gabby

Get Baked is the culmination of every dream I had as a twenty-something. A dream my ex-husband stomped like a bug beneath the tip of his expensive Italian leather shoe. When I left with nothing more than my dignity and a vintage stand mixer I found at a thrift store, all I wanted was to be happy. Promised myself I wouldn’t settle until that happened.

Years later, it’s finally happening in the small town of Broken Falls, WV. My dreams are coming true, my happiness is so close I can reach out and touch it.

But my secrets? They won’t stay buried forever. Especially where Barrett Grant is concerned.

Barrett

I messed up big time with Gabby, the hot, older, owner of Get Baked. I had no business swiping right if I wasn’t going to take our relationship and her feelings seriously. When I reacted badly to a waitress who questioned if she was my mother, I should’ve let it go. 

But I didn’t, and now I can’t. Not when I miss the f*ck out of her, and lost a year off my life the night Get Baked was broken into. This time, I promise myself, I’ll give us the shot we should’ve gotten the first time.

If only she gives me a second chance.

 

Tropes Included

• small town
• blue collar
• second chance
• reverse age gap
• golden retriever hero

Barrett is book three in The Broken Falls Series: a series of interconnected standalones following a group of friends who have become family in small-town West Virginia, and the women who bring them to their knees. You do not have to read them in order, but each book builds upon the relationships of the last.

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It's been a long day, and Gabby still hasn't texted me back. My common sense tells me I should take that for what it's worth, but the part that really cares about Gabby wants to make sure she's okay? It's worried as f*ck, and I need to know. I debate on whether I want to stop when I drive by and see her car still parked in the back of Get Baked. There's a real chance that she doesn't want to see me, there's an even bigger chance that I just need to make sure she's okay. I want to set eyes on her.

Parking next to her, I get out and walk to the back door. I knock twice, waiting for her.

"Who is it?"

"It's Barrett. I just wanna make sure you're alright. I'll leave if you want me to after I see how you're doing." I hurry those words in a rush.

The sound of her unlocking the door makes me smile. With a sigh, she opens it, staring at me. "As you can see I'm okay. It's going to take more than what happened to bring me down. I might be a little bruised and broken, but I'll make it through."

"I have no doubt that you will, Gabs. I just want to make sure you're good. You never texted me back."

She sticks out a hip, throwing me a little bit of attitude, which I love. "I didn't know I was required to text you back, Barrett. We broke up, remember? I wasn't sure that after the way we left each other, either of us would want to hear from the other."

That's a fair assumption. "I care about you, I always have. I can't turn that off because we've had some sh*t happen between us. I lost years off of my life when I saw that someone had broken into your shop, Gabby."

"I know..."

"No you don't. You'll never know the fear." I interrupt her. "I know I don't have the right to be here, because I f*cked up what we were building."

She interrupts me. "No, we both f*cked that up, Barrett. It wasn't just you. That was a team effort." She exhales loudly. "Let's start over."

I inhale, close my eyes, and then let the breath out slowly. "Hey girl, hey."

She laughs, which is what I hoped she would. It lights up those eyes of hers and my stomach does a flip. "Hey."

"So, I texted you earlier, you might not have gotten it, or you were busy. But I wanted to make sure you're okay. There's been some crazy sh*t happening in the neighborhood lately." I grip the door facing to keep from reaching out and cupping her hip in my hand.

Her head dips down, before coming back up. "I did get your text, but I was busy, and then when I thought about responding, I was tired. I'm fine. The window will be replaced next week, and until then I've posted on social media, and Kara mentioned it in her live stream today.  I'm not hurting for customers, people have been extremely supportive, and I'm sorry I didn't respond to you."

"It's okay. I'll leave now that I know you're not hurt. I gotta take a shower anyway." I'm dirty, and dusty, and just want to get all of that off. I love my job, but I'll never be the type of guy who can get off work and then head out immediately afterward. All part of living that blue collar life.

"Barrett, do you wanna come in and eat something? You came all the way over here, when I know more than anything after work, you want to go home." She pushes a piece of dark hair behind her ear. "You were worried about me, and I appreciate it. Let me at least feed you."

Little does she know I want way more than for her to feed me, but right now I'll take whatever she's offering. Whatever it takes to get me the second chance I've wanted for months, I'm going to do. "I'd appreciate it, you don't have to."

"I know, and the one thing you should know about me is I don't do things I don't want to do."

I grin, tilting my head back. "That's the damn truth. What are you feeding me?"

She rolls her eyes. "I have leftover pot roast that I'm making quesadilla's out of."

It's one of my f*cking favorite meals. I groan, rocking back on my heels. "It's like you knew I'd be here."

"Oh God c'mon in you little sh*t."

And with those whispered words, I know that for tonight we'll be okay.

4 Stars

Another fun read in the Broken Falls Series. It is always great to catch up with the previous characters as we dig deeper into this books main characters. I love the family this group has made of choice while still keeping the family by blood included where possible.

Gabby and Barrett have a history and in the end neither of them fought for what they really wanted. Letting opinions and their past push them apart. But watching all his friends starting to find their person and moving on to the next part of their lives, has Barrett wanting more. 

Being there for Gabby when she needs him. Showing her he is the stand up guy she is looking for regardless of his age. Will that be enough for them to have a second chance and see where things could go?

As strong as Gabby has proved she is, starting her life over after divorce. Making her dreams come true in her little bakery shop. It is still nice to have someone there to lean on and support you. Could Barrett be just what she needs?

Grab your copy and enjoy as the story unfolds. 

*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***

Laramie Briscoe is the USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author of over 30 books, with sales of over half a million copies.

Since self-publishing her first book in May of 2013, Laramie has appeared on the Top 100 Bestselling E-books Lists on Apple Books, Amazon Kindle, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble. Her books have been known to make readers laugh and cry. They are guaranteed to be emotional, steamy reads.

When she's not writing alpha males who seriously love their women, she loves spending time with friends, reading, and marathoning shows on Netflix. Married to her high school sweetheart, Laramie lives in Bowling Green, KY with her husband.

⬇️ Start the series with Boone⬇️

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Release Blitz & Review - MEANT FOR LOVE by Natasha Madison

 

MEANT FOR LOVE

Natasha Madison

Release Date: July 26

AVAILABLE IN KINDLE UNLIMITED

From Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Amazon Bestselling Author Natasha Madison comes new A billionaire, marriage pact, opposites attract romance.

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Unless you end up married!

From The This is Series and the Southern Wedding series comes Meant For Love

Zoey
When I first met him, I got butterflies in my stomach.
I thought it was silly and pushed it aside. Avoided him.
Besides, I was taken—unavailable. Or so I thought.
That was before he hired me to take over his company’s PR.
Now that we were working with each other, that meant he was completely off-limits.
Until one night in Vegas.

Nash
They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.
Unless you ask the woman of your dreams to marry you while you are both drinking tequila.
And she says yes.
She thinks it’s a mistake.
She’s wrong.
Now I have ninety days to show her we’re meant for love.

Release Blitz - UNDENIABLY FORBIDDEN by J. Saman

Undeniably Forbidden by J. Saman is now live!

From USA Today bestselling author J. Saman comes a steamy new standalone, brother's best friend, age-gap, billionaire romance about a broody single dad doctor and the curvy nanny who brings him to his knees.

In my defense, I had no clue the gorgeous guy I had a wildly steamy night with was my brother's best friend. Or the single dad of the little girl I was about to nanny.

I hadn't seen Dr. Owen Fritz since I was twelve and he was twenty-four, but even back then, I didn't care much about him.

He was doing his billionaire, master-of-the-universe, medical school thing, and I was too into art and books to notice anyone.

Now he's cold and broody, but he doesn't scare me the way he does everyone else.

He's been scarred, but I've been scarred worse.

We both promise to leave that night in the past, vowing to keep this secret between us and stay professional from now on.

Especially since I'm living with him—sleeping down the hall from him—and his adorable little girl.

Until one night of hell changes everything and all those promises we've been struggling to keep don't just break, they shatter.

Now there's no holding him back.

And the more he watches me with those magnetic eyes or whisks me into dark corners and puts his heated hands on my body, the more I forget why what we're doing is so undeniably forbidden.

We're playing with an unstoppable fire.

And we're both about to get burned.

Release Blitz & Review - SHATTERED SECRETS by Christina Sol

Shattered Secrets by Christina Sol is now live!

She’s a young single mom hiding a dark past. He’s a jaded former detective who’s lost all faith in love. When a dangerous encounter forces them to live together, their mutual attraction erupts into flames. But as her secrets come to light, an unexpected threat emerges…

Scarlet Miller has flown under the radar on peaceful Hudson Island for the past year and a half, working hard to build a safe and quiet life for her four-year-old daughter. During that time, she formed unexpected friendships—and a crush on the handsome friend-of-a-friend who’s the epitome of tall, dark, and growly hotness. However, since he’s much older and way out of her league, she knows nothing will come of it. Besides, with her chaotic history, romantic relationships are off the table.

Matt Alvarez has come a long way since arriving on Hudson Island angry, bitter, and reclusive. With time, therapy, and the help of his friends, he’s recovered from a career-threatening injury and joined Hudson Security. He’s eager to make a positive difference through his work, and while he’s not the most social guy, he’s looking forward to building relationships in his newfound community. Well, except for Scarlet. Something about the beautiful waitress with the rainbow-streaked hair ties his tongue in knots. But no matter how alluring he finds her, she’s way too young for him. Which is fine, because after a dramatic divorce, the last thing he wants is any sort of commitment.

When dire circumstances push them together, their protective walls crumble, revealing an undeniable connection. But as their relationship blossoms, Scarlet’s buried secrets claw to the surface, bringing unforeseen perils with them. Can Matt protect Scarlet from the shadows of her past? Or will her skeletons destroy their future?

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon: https://christinasol.co/ShatteredSecrets

Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/HudsonShatteredSecrets

Goodreads: https://christinasol.co/Goodreads-ShatteredSecrets

4 Stars

This is the fourth installment of this series and these books just keep getting better and better. An age gap romantic suspense full of secrets from the past and starting over. Matt and Scarlet have sizzling chemistry and when things start happening to Scarlet, Matt steps out of the box to protect her and Otter Pop.

Matt has been on the island recovering from a work incident, the loss of his marriage and the emotional affects of learning trusted people were not to be trusted at all. He has friends on the island that have helped him along the way. The beauty with the wild colored hair and the sweetest little girl has caught his eye on many occasions but he is too old for her.

Scarlet's only focus has been making a home on the island and doing the best she can for her little girl. So thankful for the few friends she has found on the island who make that so much easier. But once you fall into looking over your shoulder, no matter how far you run that looking never stops. Good thing too because it is about to knock on her back door.

Grab your copy and find out what happens?

*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***

Award-winning author Christina Sol writes what she loves to read - romance filled with heart, heat, and suspense.

When Christina's not writing, reading, or knitting, she's watching football or fueling her washi, sticker & planner obsession.

Christina lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two children.

Website | www.christinasol.com   

Goodreads | https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8192185.Christina_Sol   

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Release Blitz - INDESCRIBABLE LOVE by Samantha Chase

Indescribable Love by Samantha Chase is now live!

A close proximity, rockstar, secret romance from NYT Bestselling author, Samantha Chase

He's the pop superstar dubbed the friendliest celeb alive.

She's the jaded publicist forced to represent him.

Working together should be impossible.

But the connection they find in each other is...completely indescribable.

Whenever his childhood became too much, Simon Bennett could always find comfort and escape in music. Like any kid, he'd thought about becoming a big star, but he'd never imagined the level of success he's found. When documentary producers approach him for some behind the scenes footage for his fans, he isn't prepared for the painful memories they unearth that he'd rather keep quiet. But when you're known as one of the sweetest guys in the business, no one takes you seriously when you try to push back.

Juliette Bellucci has a reputation for being a strong and confident publicist. Unfortunately, when you keep working with celebrity trainwrecks who make the wrong kind of headlines, that reputation doesn't mean a whole lot. And with her latest fiasco still in the press, she's this close to losing her career and everything she's worked for. Enter Simon Bennett-the quintessential good guy and her chance at redemption. After all, how can working with the nicest guy in the world go wrong?

Nothing about them makes sense, and yet the closer they become, the more they realize they belong together. Keeping their relationship a secret was supposed to keep them out of trouble, but when Simon's past threatens to destroy his present, everyone is quick to blame Juliette and her bad track record. When the glare of the spotlight disappears, will they realize the indescribable love they share is the foundation to the future they both want?

Excerpt Reveal - HIGH FREQUENCY by Freya Barker

 

Title: High Frequency  

Author: Freya Barker 

Genre: Romantic Suspense 

Release Date: August 5, 2024 

Hosted by: Buoni Amici Press, LLC.

When the rug is pulled from under Detective Sloane Eckhart, she leaves the Billings PD and returns to Libby, Montana.

Eight years ago she left with her pride and the promise of a future, but her heart was broken. On her return, there is no pride left, no prospects to speak of, but at least her heart is safely secured in the back seat.

Still, a bit of groveling, a kind offer of help, and a brand-new job with the sheriff’s office quickly gets her back on her feet.

High Meadow will always be home to Dan Blakely. Working with horses, being part of the HMT search and rescue team, and now building his own home right next door checks all his boxes. Only one thing is missing, but that dream walked out the door a long time ago.

Still, his life is good, steady…and perhaps a little boring.

That quickly changes when the rescue of a young, teenage girl, places the new sheriff’s detective squarely in his path. He’s not bored now, doing his best to keep her safe, even as their past holds them back while they fight for a future.

Cover Reveal - SPARK by Kimberly Kincaid

Kimberly Kincaid has revealed the cover for Spark!

Releasing January 24, 2025

He's tough enough to walk through fire. His only weakness? His best friend's little sister. And now they're facing danger that could ruin them both...

Rescue squad firefighter Tyler Gates is calm even in the most perilous situations. He knows all too well that emotions only add fuel to the fire when things go sideways--and when emotions are involved, everything goes sideways. Life's just safer without feelings, period.

But when his best friend's little sister is swept up in a case of arson, extortion, and murder on his watch? Tyler's going to have to rely on every one of his survival instincts to protect her.

Including keeping her at arm's length, no matter how badly he's always wanted her.

As a former foster child, Chloe Ferguson knows what it's like to need someone in her corner. When a thirteen-year-old girl in the system witnesses a brutal crime, then finds herself in the crosshairs of the dangerous criminal who committed it, Chloe knows she'll need to do everything she can to keep her safe.

Even if that means setting her emotions aside to ask straight-laced, sexy Tyler for his help.

But Tyler and Chloe can't fight the sizzling-hot attraction sparking between them, and soon, they're protecting Chloe's ward and each other against a killer who wants to silence them all. In order to make it out alive, they'll need to stand together and put everything on the line.

Including their hearts.

Release Blitz - AN ENGAGEMENT PACT by Noelle Adams

AN ENGAGEMENT PACT

Noelle Adams

Release Date: July 12

After my first boyfriend left me with ruined credit and without a job, I have to take a position as a dog walker and move back in with family. I try to make the best of it, but ridiculously wealthy Green Valley is the last place I want to be.

I'm focusing on working hard and getting my life back in order, and I don't need Dan Mills offering me an easy way out. Marry him, he says. He'll pay me once he has access to his trust fund. It will simply be an arrangement of convenience, and it doesn't matter if I like him or not.

To me, the plan sounds completely bonkers, but I'm tempted. I shouldn't be, but I am. After all, Dan's not a bad guy. In fact, he's kind of great. And, if we both know the marriage is practical, how much trouble could it be?

Release Blitz - MAD LOVE by Willow Aster

Mad Love by Willow Aster is now live!

A small-town, single dad, enemies-to-lovers standalone sports romance in the new series, The Single Dad Playbook, from USA Today Bestselling author Willow Aster.

He's a quarterback, a single dad, and now he's my roommate…

For a long time now, I’ve despised Weston Shaw. He’d been someone I’d admired, taking my favorite football team, the Colorado Mustangs, to the Super Bowl.

But that all turned upside down after one night that had nothing to do with me.

We share one undeniable connection: his son, Caleb.

Unfortunately, the circumstances behind that have never been my story to tell.

But now, the truth is out, and I’m left to deal with the consequences.

I’m living under the same roof as Weston, and each day, I discover a side of him I never expected.

He’s not the selfish jock I imagined. He’s caring, thoughtful, and unexpectedly charming.

I find myself drawn to him in ways I never thought possible. It’s terrifying and exhilarating, but I can't deny it any longer…

I’m falling for the one person I shouldn’t…Weston Shaw.

Mad Love is book one in The Single Dad Playbook series. Each book can be read as a standalone.