Mountain Men Matchmaker: #2 Seven Year Itch by Amy Daws book review

Calder Fletcher, portrayed as the "black sheep" of the family, feels he is seen as the underachiever despite his hidden talents. He is a skilled furniture maker, but his emotional baggage and reluctance to step into the spotlight keep him from pursuing success in this passion. Having gone through a tough breakup, he has built walls around himself, leading to a brooding demeanor. He finds himself unexpectedly sharing a tropical wedding vacation with Dakota.  (this may have been a set up by the matchmaker) Neither one wanted to be there alone, but they did it for their friends and family.  Dakota is a recently divorced woman who has struggled with self-esteem issues stemming from her previous relationship. Her ex-husband never appreciated her, leading to a crisis of confidence that she is determined to overcome. Sharp-tongued and bold, Dakota has a fiery personality that masks her insecurities. Her history with Calder is marked by seven years of animosity, primarily stemming from their initial interactions during her home remodel, where they clashed frequently. As the story unfolds, Dakota’s journey of self-discovery takes center stage, allowing her to reclaim her identity and find strength in vulnerability.   As they agree to a "enemies with benefits" arrangement to help Dakota regain her confidence post-divorce, they navigate the complexities of their relationship, revealing layers of vulnerability and attraction. The tension between them escalates, transforming their dynamic into something deeper than they ever anticipated, leading to a realization that love can emerge from the most unexpected places. 

I love the forced proximity in this story as it heightens the tension, while the meddling family dynamics add layers of comedic chaos. There are some kinks and a sex club, so you know they story will be spicy.  We revisit characters from the previous book, so I enjoyed peeking in on their lives.  I think because there is some "sex coaching" going on, the reader can see how the intimacy develops throughout their conversations. The setting is great.  Nothing like Fletcher Mountain, with sexy Fletcher men living on it.  This book will be out in SIX days! (June 17, 2025)  Put it in your TBR pile.

Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

Digging Dr Jones by Olivia Jackson book review

Digging Dr. Jones by Olivia Jackson is a captivating romcom adventure that follows Adriana Jones, a down-on-her-luck business owner vacationing in Costa Rica with her brother, William. When a mysterious bracelet is mistakenly delivered to her, Adriana unknowingly becomes entangled in a treasure hunt alongside the handsome archaeologist, Dr. Andrew Jones, who desperately needs the bracelet to find ancient treasure in the Colombian jungle. As they trek through perilous landscapes and face unexpected challenges, the chemistry between Adriana and Andrew ignites amid their sharp banter and contrasting personalities. Their journey transforms from a simple vacation into a thrilling quest filled with danger, mystery, and romance.

I liked  Digging Dr Jones for its fun blend of adventure and heart-pounding chemistry. It has an Indiana Jones kind of vibe. The dynamic between Adriana and Andrew is both entertaining and relatable, with their witty exchanges and slow-burn romance keeping readers hooked. The forced proximity trope heightens their connection as they navigate thrilling escapades, making for a delightful reading experience. The unique setting and treasure-hunting theme add depth, while the lighthearted humor ensures it’s a fun escape. I love the relationship between Adriana and her brother, William.  I enjoyed her backstory in that she worked hard to get to where she is today. I think some of the reviews of this book are particularly harsh about the insta-love and things that happen on their adventure.  It's a fun fiction, adventure rom-com (like Indiana Jones) and a hot treasure hunter who finds the hot chick on vacation.  Adriana has been recently dumped and duped by a long term boyfriend, so she got some well deserved fun and sexy times in her life.  My imagination is happy to spend some time with a smart, British archeologist who knows how to please women.  Yum!

Beneath the Wild Sky: #2 Crossing Paths by Katie Ruggle book review

Norah Pax is the tech-savvy member of her family's Rocky Mountain bounty-hunting business, preferring to track skips from behind her laptop rather than engage in physical confrontations like her adrenaline-seeking sisters. Recognizing her need for self-defense skills, she musters the courage to seek help from Dashiell Porter, a gruff MMA expert and gym owner. While Dash intimidates most, his unexpected gentleness makes Norah feel secure, and their training sessions quickly spark a romantic connection. He closed his gym during their sessions because she was so self-conscious in front of others. However, danger looms as criminals target the Pax sisters, threatening their safety. Norah must harness the skills Dash teaches her to protect herself and her family. With Dash determined to keep her safe, the two navigate their budding romance amid chaos. The narrative showcases the strong bond among the Pax sisters, filled with humor, love, and action, making it an engaging read. This installment in Katie Ruggle's series can stand alone, yet it seamlessly continues the journey of the Pax sisters as they confront both personal and external challenges. 

Readers will be drawn to Norah and Dash's slow-burning relationship, marked by genuine trust and mutual growth. Norah's relatable social anxiety and determination to step outside her comfort zone make her an endearing protagonist. Dash’s protective nature and hidden softness create a compelling dynamic, allowing readers to root for their love story. The lively banter among the Pax sisters adds a layer of warmth and humor, enriching the narrative. With thrilling action sequences, danger, suspense and a strong focus on personal empowerment, this book offers a perfect blend of romance and adventure. I really enjoyed this book and am a big fan of the author :)