New Release Review: The Drummer's Heart by Penelope Ward

 

Title: The Drummer's Heart

Author: Penelope Ward

Genre: Standalone Contemporary Romance

Tropes: Rockstar Hero/"My Wife"/Small Town

Close Proximity/Slow Burn/One Bed

Release Date: February 23, 2025

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From New York Times bestselling author Penelope Ward comes a new, STANDALONE novel…

Don’t say her name.

That was the one rule my bandmates followed, because they knew how much it messed me up to think about her, especially on tour.

My ex, Nicole.

The one who got away and the woman who still owned every piece of my heart.

After our divorce, I threw myself into the rock scene, trying to forget my heartbreak.

Three years after we split, a phone call from Nicole changed everything.

She told me her grandmother wasn’t doing well.

Mimi was still family to me, and she apparently had one wish before dying: to spend time with us—Nicole and me.

With Mimi’s caretaker away on vacation, it would be the ideal time for us to move in with her for a couple of weeks.

Of course, I couldn’t refuse.

But there was a catch.

Nicole apparently never told her that we’d gotten a divorce.

She hadn’t believed Mimi could handle it, because her grandmother loved me so much.

So, not only would I have to see Nicole again, but I’d be pretending to still be her husband.

Two weeks in a tiny house in a small town with the woman who broke my heart. Or was it me who broke hers?

It was complicated.

And it was about to be a heck of a lot more complicated sharing one bed in the guest room with a woman who wasn’t mine anymore.

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WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

ROCKSTAR HERO

"MY WIFE"

SMALL TOWN

CLOSE PROXIMITY

SLOW BURN

ONE BED

My review: 5 stars

After reading The Rocker's Muse and loving it, I was so excited to dive into The Drummer's Heart and get Atticus and Nicole's story. This story was so well balanced - there was heat and heart and just the right amount of angst. I adored Mimi and how her situation brought them back together. I was able to listen to an advance audiobook, and Sebastian York and Angelina Rocca were excellent. 

AUTHOR BIO

Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary romance.

She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor. Penelope resides in Rhode Island with her husband, son, and beautiful daughter with autism.

With millions of books sold, she is a 21-time New York Times bestseller and the author of over forty books. Her novels have been translated into over a dozen languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.

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New Release Review: Indiscretion by Vi Keeland

 

Title: Indiscretion

Author: Vi Keeland

Genre: Standalone Contemporary Romance

Release Date: January 13, 2025

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He's her boss. She's his greatest temptation.

The first time I met Dawson Reed, we wound up in bed.

The problem was, neither of us knew the other were there.

When I woke up in the middle of the night and found a stranger next to me, instinct kicked in and I attacked the intruder.

Only it turned out, the man wasn’t an intruder at all.

Dawson had rented this cabin, too. Apparently, a system glitch allowed a duplicate booking.

We’d soon find out we were in town for the same wedding, and Dawson was the groomsman I’d been warned about. He was as tall, dark and jaw-droppingly gorgeous as my best friend had described. Though she was also right when she’d said you two will hate each other.

When daylight rolled around, Dawson and I attempted to straighten out the mess we found ourselves in. But it proved to be more difficult than we initially thought. Since it was a holiday weekend, there wasn’t a single room available for more than fifty miles.

I suppose things could be worse than sharing a cabin for a weekend with a handsome man you despise.

Like maybe him winding up being your new boss?

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My review: 5 stars!

I loved every moment of Naomi and Dawson's story! I love how author Vi Keeland can create such unique situations for her heroes and heroines! Once I dive into one of her books, I literally cannot put it down- I get so engrossed and interested in the characters and dying to know how they get their happily ever after. I smiled and swooned and laughed and enjoyed it so much! Naomi's dog and Dawson's turtle were delightful side characters and I also felt Naomi's sister and her niece and nephew were written so well, and their part of the story was important and handled so masterfully. Everything coming full circle for Dawson was a perfect and emotional ending.

AUTHOR BIO

Vi Keeland is a #1 New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author. With millions of books sold, her titles are currently translated in twenty-seven languages and have appeared on bestseller lists in the US, Germany, Brazil, Bulgaria, Israel, and Hungary. Three of her short stories have been turned into films by Passionflix, and two of her books are currently optioned for movies. She resides in New York with her husband and their three children where she is living out her own happily ever after with the boy she met at age six.

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Narrator Reveal: The Path to Loving Him by Meghan Quinn

 

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Meghan Quinn comes a new forced proximity, single dad romantic comedy. Narrated in duet by Samantha Brentmoor and Sebastian York, this steamy, laugh out loud, enemies-to-lovers, small town standalone romance releases January 7th in all formats and delivers the perfect happily ever after. Pre-order your copy today!

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About THE PATH TO LOVING HIM (Coming 1/7/2025):

What does one do when they completely blow an interview?

If you're me, you pick up a one-night stand with the most gorgeous man you've ever seen… 

That's right, after a lousy interview that could have changed everything for me, I headed over to the local small town bar to sulk when the one man I shouldn't want walked in. And when my friend convinced me to take him back to my hotel room, I didn't think about it, I just did it . . . well, I did him.

It was an unforgettable night, but I didn't stay for breakfast. Instead, I got out of there and tried not to think about him again.

Everything was fine until I received a call from the interviewer saying I got the job as the assistant baseball coach at Almond Bay High. I'd be working directly under the one and only Ryland Rowley--my one-night stand. 

Now, I'm not only working with him but renting the apartment above his garage. And I have to deal with the fact that he's the man I dream about and can't have while not letting my attraction get in the way of keeping the harmony between us. Sounds easy, doesn't it?

It should have been, except the plan falls apart when my shower breaks, and night after night I have to slip into his house to use the bathroom only to find him in the kitchen, staring me down with those hungry, single dad eyes. 

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ABOUT MEGHAN QUINN:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, wife, adoptive mother, and peanut butter lover. Author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance, Meghan Quinn brings readers the perfect combination of heart, humor, and heat in every book.

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New Release Review: What Happens at the Lake by Vi Keeland

Title: What Happens at the Lake

Author: Vi Keeland

Genre: Standalone Contemporary Romance

Trope: Grumpy-Sunshine

Release Date: January 15, 2024

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When life took an unexpected turn, I decided to get out of New York for a while. What better place to go than the idyllic small town my father spoke about so fondly when I was growing up? Laurel Lake held the title America’s Friendliest Town for seventeen years running, and friendly was just what I needed right now.

Unfortunately, friendly wasn’t the welcome I got when I arrived.

Instead, I got Fox Cassidy. My tall, dark, and burly neighbor, who grunted at me instead of saying hello.

Okay, so I might’ve had his mailbox in my hands the first time we met. And it might’ve been a little crushed after removing it from under my tire. And I might’ve needed his help breaking into the place I was staying in after the key broke off in the lock. But still…he didn’t have to be so grumpy.

As time went on though, I started to notice things about Fox other than his glares. Like how he watched me when he thought I wasn’t looking, or how fire ignited in his eyes whenever we bickered. Though I was in Laurel Lake to escape my problems, not create new ones. And getting involved with a man like Fox screamed trouble, even if he was gorgeous and unlike any man I’d ever met.

But alas, problem seemed to be my middle name this year. So why not have some fun while I was here for the summer? It seemed like a good plan. At least until it was time to go home…

They say what happens at the lake, stays at the lake. But it’s not so easy to walk away when what stays behind…is your heart.

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My review: 5 stars!

When I saw that two of my favorite narrators, Andi Arndt and Sebastian York, would be narrating Vi Keeland's What Happens at the Lake, I used an Audible credit for a pre-order and downloaded it as soon as I woke up and it was available! Grumpy/sunshine is a trope I always enjoy so it was no surprise that I loved this book so much! Josie and Fox were so good together! I loved how they met and began to spend time together. All the nosy small town characters were such a hoot! The narration by Arndt and York was fantastic as always.

AUTHOR BIO

Vi Keeland is a #1 New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author. With millions of books sold, her titles are currently translated in twenty-seven languages and have appeared on bestseller lists in the US, Germany, Brazil, Bulgaria, Israel, and Hungary. Three of her short stories have been turned into films by Passionflix, and two of her books are currently optioned for movies. She resides in New York with her husband and their three children where she is living out her own happily ever after with the boy she met at age six.

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New Release Audiobook Review: I Could Never by Penelope Ward

 

I Could Never by Penelope Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved every word of this book! Penelope Ward is one of my favorite authors and I loved Carly and Josh’s story so much! It was heart-felt and steamy and emotion and everything! I listened to the audiobook and Sebastian York and Andi Arndt added so much to the story for me.

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Audiobook Review: Hit the Spot by J. Daniels

 

Hit the Spot

by J. Daniels

I read (and loved!) Hit the Spot by J. Daniels - Author and I finished the audiobook this weekend and it was FANTASTIC! Sebastian York was perfectly cast as Jamie McCade!

Here's my 5 star review:

Jamie McCade is a stubborn rascal with a filthy mouth, and he's pretty much amazing. And Tori's having the WORST time convincing herself she's not into him. I loved their back and forth argue-flirting, and enjoyed that fact that he was so into her that he waited so long for her to realize it too. Enemies-to-lovers is such a fun trope! J. Daniels is a pro at fun, sexy reads and Hit the Spot did not disappoint. The narration by Sebastian York and Kate Russell was fantastic!

New Release Review: A Little Too Late by Sarina Bowen

 

A Little Too Late by Sarina Bowen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Author Sarina Bowen has teamed up with Rebecca Yarros and Devney Perry for another exciting series- this one set at Madigan Mountain, a family ski resort. Bowen brings us Ava and Reed's second chance romance in this installment and it's absolutely fantastic. As Ava and Reed are reunited in the current day, interspersed chapters slowly share their history from 10 years ago with us. As angsty as the history was, Bowen always manages to insert hilarity and great side characters into her stories to perfectly balance the read. As a finance major, I really enjoyed the business aspect of the story as Ava and Reed try to sort through Reed's dad's plan to sell the resort. Ava and Reed's chemistry was smoking but their relationship was so much more than that. I am so looking forward to reading books 2 and 3 from Yarros and Perry because this trio of brothers is not to be missed. Narrated by fan favorites Sebastian York and Andi Arndt, the audiobook is simply fabulous.

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New Release Review: Moody by Penelope Ward

 

Moody by Penelope Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I purchased the audiobook using one of my Audible credits, and it was so worth it! Andi Arndt and Sebastian York brought Penelope Ward's newest book to life and it was such a fantastic listen! Ward's plots are always unique and include twists you don't see coming. Dax and Wren's journey was full of emotion, wit, and so much chemistry. I finished this in a day- it was so good I didn't want to press pause at all!

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New Release Review: The Boss Project by Vi Keeland

Title: The Boss Project

Author: Vi Keeland

Genre: Standalone Contemporary Romance

Release Date: July 11, 2022

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The first time I met Merrick Crawford was during my job interview.

Well, technically, I’d met him twenty minutes earlier when he’d barged into a fitting room a few doors down from my appointment.

I yelled. He yelled. After an argument while standing in my bra, I proceeded to smash the door into the gorgeous jerk, trying to yank it shut.

As you might imagine, I was freaked out when I discovered that the rude guy was my potential new boss.

Yet he didn’t seem to recognize me. Or so I thought… Until we wound up bickering again during my interview and he told me to go sniff my armpit.

Okay, so maybe I hadn’t exactly been changing when he walked in on me. In my defense, I’d been stuck on a hot train for two hours and wanted to make sure I didn’t smell.

I obviously didn’t expect to get the job. But somehow an invitation to a second interview arrived in my inbox.

Before I left, I asked to see Merrick. I needed to know why I was even in consideration after our disastrous start.

Turned out, Merrick only wanted to hire me because I was the least competent candidate. It seemed his board was making him fill the position, against his wishes.

I didn’t really want to work in a place where my boss expected me to fail. But I figured maybe I’d enjoy proving him wrong. It was a little thing I dubbed the boss project.

What I wasn’t prepared for was that there would be other things I’d enjoy doing to Merrick Crawford.

Getting involved with the boss wasn’t the smartest choice.

But you know what they say about choices: Some we regret, some we are proud of. I just had no idea where this one was going to land.

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My review: 5 stars! 

I purchased the audiobook this morning, on release day, and I finished it in one day- it's that good! It was narrated by fan favorites Andi Arndt and Sebastian York, who both gave fantastic performances. Main characters Merrick and Evie were just delightful- I loved their witty banter and the connection they had through their grandmothers. 

AUTHOR BIO

Vi Keeland is a #1 New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author. With millions of books sold, her titles are currently translated in twenty-seven languages and have appeared on bestseller lists in the US, Germany, Brazil, Bulgaria and Hungary. Three of her short stories have been turned into films by Passionflix, and two of her books are currently optioned for movies. She resides in New York with her husband and their three children where she is living out her own happily ever after with the boy she met at age six.

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New Release Review: The Summer Proposal by Vi Keeland

 

Title: The Summer Proposal

Author: Vi Keeland

Genre: Standalone Contemporary Romance

Release Date: January 10, 2022

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The first time I met Max Yearwood was on a blind date.

Max was insanely gorgeous, funny, and our chemistry was off the charts. He also had the biggest dimples I’d ever laid eyes on.

Exactly what I needed after my breakup.

Or so I thought…

Until my real date arrived.

Turned out, Max wasn’t who I was there to meet. He only pretended to be until my real date showed up.

To say I was disappointed would be an understatement.

Before he left, he slipped me a ticket to a hockey game a few blocks away, in case things didn’t work out on my actual date.

I tossed the ticket into my purse and went about trying to enjoy the man I was supposed to meet.

But my real blind date and I had no connection.

So on my way home, I decided to take a chance and stop by the game.

When I arrived, the seat next to me was empty.

Disappointed again, I decided to leave at the end of the period.

Just before the buzzer, one of the teams scored, and the entire arena went crazy.

A player’s face flashed up on the Jumbotron. He was wearing a helmet, but I froze when he smiled.

You guessed it: Dimples.

Apparently, my fake blind date hadn’t invited me to watch hockey with him, he’d invited me to watch him play.

And so began my adventure with Max Yearwood.

He was everything I needed at the time—fun, sexy, up for anything, and only around for a few months since he’d signed with a new team three-thousand miles away.

Max proposed we spend the summer helping me forget my ex. It sounded like a good plan. Things couldn’t get too serious when we had an expiration date. Right?

Though, you know what they say about the best-laid plans.

My review: 5 stars!

Fantastic! I loved The Summer Proposal from start to finish! Max was swoony and I adored Georgia. The meet cute was so fun. Vi Keeland's writing is always perfection to me- her characters are relatable and likable, the dialog is witty and engaging, and the storyline is always unique and captivating. I purchased the audiobook and enjoyed the performances of Andi Arndt and Sebastian York so much.

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Vi Keeland is a #1 New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author. With millions of books sold, her titles have appeared in over a hundred Bestseller lists and are currently translated in twenty-five languages. She resides in New York with her husband and their three children where she is living out her own happily ever after with the boy she met at age six.

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