In a Nutshell Reviews

In a Nutshell Reviews are my version of mini-reviews, because sometimes, you just want the highlights.

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Drake by Sawyer Bennett
Published by Big Dog Books, LLC on January 3, 2023
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary Romance

Goodreads

Drake McGinn turned his back on hockey after the league betrayed him. Will the Titans be his chance to clear his name and take back the career he once loved?

After I made the decision to divorce, my ex-wife set out on a smear campaign against me, telling anyone who would listen that I was betting on hockey and throwing games. It wasn’t surprising that my ex told the lies, but the fact that the media, league, and fans chose to believe her baseless claims was unforgivable. I walked away from it all and never looked back.

Having settled into life as a single dad to three boys, I’m content. I have more money than I could ever need, and plenty of time to do whatever I want, whenever I want, and whoever I want. So when Brienne Norcross, the team owner for the Pittsburgh Titans, shows up at my house with a job offer, I have no problem turning her down. But the no-nonsense billionaire, with sinfully seductive red lips and killer heels that would look hot as hell thrown over my shoulders, won’t take “no” for an answer.

Now I need to find balance between hockey, my boys, and the explosive chemistry Brienne and I can no longer deny. A cast-off hockey player and the league’s only female team owner? I can think of a million reasons why it could never work but can’t bring myself to care about a single one of them. Game on.

As always, I enjoyed being back in the world of the Titans. What struck me most was that we were moving past them being the team that was lost in the plane crash. Drake's story begins with a new season, a new coaching staff, and a strong team that has bonded quite a bit since they were thrown together. With this change, I found the book to be lighter than the previous books, but it still packed a bit of an emotional punch when necessary.

I would have never called it, but I did love Brianne and Drake together. He was a bit rough around the edges while Brianne was all business....until she wasn't because she and Drake were quite the combustible couple. Like most of these "no-strings" relationships, these two were falling for each other, and it was easy to see why. All those sweet gestures and tender moments turned me to mush. And Drake with his boys was precious.

Overall, another solid Titans book. I am excited about the things Bennett was setting up for later and cannot wait to read Cannon's book. (I shed tears already for that man)

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Good as Gold by Sarina Bowen
Published by Tuxbury Publishing LLC on June 1, 2023
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Goodreads

A swoony, heart-wrenching small-town romance .

Leila:
What I meant to do: Quietly divorce my lout of a husband and then have a child all on my own. What happens instead: My crush comes back to town when I’m at my most vulnerable. After too many cocktails, I ask him to be my baby’s father.
In my defense, it’s been a rough couple of months. Seeing Matteo Rossi again after fourteen years has done a number on my emotions. And my libido.
In the morning, I’m hoping he’s forgotten the whole thing. But no such luck. In fact, Matteo has a few clarifying questions. And a few naughty ideas, too…

Matteo:
What I meant to do: visit Vermont for my brother’s wedding. Make amends to my family, and mourn the loss of a friend.
What happens instead: a hot affair with the one who got away. But it can’t last. My life is two thousand miles away, and Leila deserves everything. She’s as good as gold.

We return to the True North world as Matteo returns to his hometown which awakens many emotions in him. 

I will never tire of this world, and it was so wonderful to catch up with the Rossi clan. This was a family that was tight-knit. They experienced difficulties growing up which forged a bond between them. I could totally feel the love this family had for their prodigal brother. Matteo was dealing with the loss of his friend and partner. He carried a lot of guilt and being with his family and old friends was exactly what he didn't realize he needed. Though he had stayed away for many years, his family had no problem welcoming him back with their arms and hearts were opened wide.  

And timing was great for Matteo, too. He finally had his chance for something more with his high school love. Many years had passed, but he still carried a torch for him, and it seemed he had something she realy wanted as well. I am trash for friends to lovers, and this union was written in the stars. They were so good together, and I was excited for them to get to that next level.

I will always pick up a Bowen book because I know it will be filled with great characters, lots of love, humor, and warmth, and all those elements were present in Good as Gold. I had a fantastic time visiting Vermont and am looking forward to returning soon. 

Which do you prefer:
friends-to-lovers or single dad romances?
Let us know in the comments!