Tasha_B94's Reviews

Tangle in the Tropics by Lisa S. Gayle is an engaging contemporary romance that combines the excitement of reality television with the emotional depth of a second-chance love story. Set against the stunning backdrop of Fiji, we get to meet the MMC Andrew Meyers, a famous professional football quarterback who joins a reality competition show in the hopes of reconnecting with the FMC Hannah Cooper, a woman he never forgot. One of the novel’s biggest strengths I felt is the chemistry between Andrew and Hannah, due to the past history they share which adds emotional weight to every interaction. Overall, Tangle in the Tropics is a charming and entertaining read that delivered another round of romance, adventure, and a satisfying emotional payoff for the main characters.

I received an ARC copy from Pen Pinery. Thank you so much for giving me a chance to read and voluntarily review this novel!

Crush in the Cascades by Lisa S. Gayle a fun, adventurous contemporary romance that blends the excitement of reality television with a heartwarming enemies-to-lovers love story. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Oregon's Cascade Mountains, we follow the story of the MMC Easton Cooper, a rugged outdoor guide, and the FMC Amity Rose, a city girl who finds herself hilariously unprepared for the wilderness. One of the things I really enjoyed about this novel was how Gayle was able to perfectly balance adventure and romance in a way that the outdoor survival challenges provided a refreshing change from the typical contemporary romance settings. Overall, Crush in the Cascades was a charming romantic adventure filled with humor and plenty of outdoor excitement.

I received an ARC copy from Pen Pinery. Thank you so much for giving me a chance to read and voluntarily review this novel!

✓ Forbidden workplace romance
✓ She falls first, he falls harder
✓ Found family / team dynamics
✓ Series finale with full HEA

Last Save by H.A. Laine is the fifth and final book in the Ice and Instincts series with a refreshing twist on the classic 'older-man dynamic', by twisting it around so the heroine is older then the hero. In this final novel, we get to read the story of Risa Kwon as she is hired by the Portland Wolves to protect the players that matter. Along the way, she meets the teams young starting goaltender Mila, who is more observant than most. While reading the main characters story, I fell in love with how Laine portrayed the older heroine as someone with strong emotional confidence. Overall, Last Save was the perfect way to end the series with a bang! If you are interested in sports romances where the age-gap trope is reversed, this is the best book for you!

✓ Fake dating
✓ Golden retriever hero
✓ She falls first
✓ Dual POV, slow burn to steamy

Short Side by H.A. Laine is the third book in the Ice and Instinct series, a sports romance based around the fake dating trope we all know and love. In this novel, we get to meet the guarded photographer Wren Gallagher and the Portland Wolves undrafted rookie Carter Knox as they ignite a PR scandal that requires them to fake date. Along the way, we get to follow along as their staged relationship grows more convincing, blurring the lines between reality and performance. Overall, Short Side was a perfect balance of fake kisses and protective hockey hero energy that earned its spot on my To Be Read Again shelf!

- Forbidden slow burn
- He falls first
- Sports romance (pro hockey)
- Forced Proximity

Unassisted by H.A. Laine, the first book in the Ice and Instinct series was an irresistibly charming pro-hockey romance that had emotional tension, sizzling chemistry, and a slow-burn love story that felt forbidden but earned. In this novel, we read the story of a PT specialist named Elena as she is tasked to take care of the Portland Wolves captain Declan after a shoulder injury. One of the things that I loved about this book was how Laine is able to build up the romance between the characters so that it felt natural instead of forced. Overall, Unassisted ticked off all the boxes for me when it comes to a hockey romance and is perfect for readers who love sports romances with heart and a satisfying ending.

Under the Weatherman by Mary Ann Marlowe is a contemporary romance with slow-burn chemistry and emotional vulnerability. In this novel we meet our lovely FMC an author named Elizabeth who is roped into outlandish shenanigans by her best friend Chelsea. During one of these shenanigans, she is dared by said best friend to act as if she is someone else and ends up meeting a local meteorologist named Evan. I will admit there were times I felt disconnected from the book and found it hard to finish, but I pushed through just to get to the HEA at the end. Overall, Under the Weatherman is a tender, introspective romance that will attract readers who enjoy character driven stories!

Thank you so much to Pen Pinery and the author for giving me a chance to read and voluntarily review this novel!

✓ Single parent (told in three voices)
✓ Veteran hockey player / younger heroine dynamic
✓ Workplace romance / forced proximity
✓ Found family / team as family

Last Change by H.A. Laine is the fourth book in the Ice and Instincts series based around the Single Parent trope with healing wrapped in a swoony hockey romance. In this novel, we get to read the story of an event producer named Elara who is put together with the Portland Wolves veteran defenseman, Vince to work on The Heritage Season ceremony. At its core, this novel was about second chances not just in life, but at love and personal healing after traumatic events. One of the things I really liked about this novel is Laine's writing style and how she was able to write smooth and engaging banter between the FMC and MMC. Overall, Last Change is perfect for readers who enjoy sports romances with a lovable family dynamic!

- Athlete / journalist off-limits romance
- Banter that bites
- He falls first (denied)
- Forbidden attraction

Between the Glass by H.A. Laine is the second book in the Ice and Instinct series, a sports romance filled with swoony hockey romance energy and forbidden attraction. In this novel, we get to meet a reporter named Renee who is determined to trust a story over any source given to her. On this journey, she travels to Portland where she meets the Portland Wolves veteran power forward, Ben Kowalski. Between press rooms and road trips, the attraction that shouldn't happen slowly builds as the characters get to know each other. Overall, Between the Glass delivered the passion and conflict I look for when reading a book with the off-limits trope. If you are a fan of sports romances with emotional tension and a risky love story, give this novel a try!