Cutest Couple by Kate Davies

Cutest Couple (Girls Most Likely to..., #2)
Grade: C+
Hotness Level: Blaze
Kink Level: No Kink
Genre: Contemporary, Novella
Series: Girls Most Likely To… #2
Reviewed by Anne


Bree and Marc were devoted to each other in high school and were voted Cutest Couple of their class.  Bree was a military brat whose father died in service.  When Marc enlists just after graduation they have a huge argument and break up.  While Marc is gone at basic training Bree realizes she’s pregnant.  She makes an attempt to contact him, but when he doesn’t respond she feels further betrayed and abandoned and decides to raise their child on her own.  Now it’s their 10 year high school reunion and they are both attending.  Marc still has no idea he has a child, and Bree knows she must tell him. 

I really wanted to like this book more than I ended up liking it.  I think I’ve said that before.  It’s that darn secret baby trope.  I cannot set my inner parent aside, and it makes it really hard for me to understand and forgive anyone who would keep a baby a secret from its father.  So, right away this story has a mark against for me.  The thing is, when the explanation is believable, I enjoy a secret baby story.  In this case, I was so mad at Bree, it’s hard for me to say how I felt about the story.    I was pretty upset with Marc, too.  Here are two young adults (when they graduated from high school) who were each other’s world.  Then they have one fight and never say another word to each other.  Nope.  I can’t buy it.
 
There were some things I appreciated about this book, and this series, though.  I liked that Bree caught a lot of flack for her weak attempt (ONE attempt!) at contacting Marc.  I didn’t want instant forgiveness, and she didn’t get it. (It did come pretty quick, though.)  I really like how this story fit tongue in groove (not that kind!) with the first of the series.  The writing is well done and fun to read.  Sometimes you know what just happened off page because you read book one, and other times you can’t wait to read what just happened off page when you get to read book 3. I also really appreciated the friendship between Bree, Tess, and Kelsey.  It felt fun and real. 
 
It’s a nice quick read, and I’m curious to see what was going on in all those off page moments, so I may just have to read the 3rd one.  Which bumps this from a C to a C+.

Share Me by Olivia Cunning

Share Me
Grade-C
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-Mild
Series-One Night With Sole Regret #0.5
Reviewed by Kay

This novella is a prequel to the series One Night With Sole Regret.

Lindsey and Vanessa are attending a charity benefit concert for a little girl with cancer in their hometown in Idaho. It is being given by Sole Regret, the rock band. Both of the girls are big fans of the band. Lindsey has a crush on the band in general but two of the rockers are on her “fuck-it” list. What this means is she’d get a free pass to sleep with them if she had the chance, no matter what her relationship status was at that time. Needless to say, due to their obsession with the band and the weather, she gets her chance.

This was a B rating for up until Lindsey slept with every member of the band, the tour bus driver and her best friend. I love Olivia Cunning and I love this series, but this one was kind of skanky for me. The “Eww factor” was huge for me with this. I will continue to read this series and can’t wait for the next book due out in April.

Fatal Heat by Lisa Marie Rice

Fatal Heat: A Navy SEAL Novella
Grade-C
Hotness Level-Inferno
Kink Level-None
Genre-Military Romantic Suspense
Reviewed by Kay

Max Wright is an ex-Navy SEAL. He was injured in battle very badly. After leaving the hospital, he stays at CO’s beach property to finish rehab.

Paige Waring is a plant geneticist and neighbor to where Max is staying. His CO is her godfather. She has a supper hyper but lovable dog named Max. Confusing, huh?

This is a novella that is about healing physically, mentally and emotionally. The characters are engaging, including the dog, Max. The love scenes were hot but it was the suspense that didn’t gel for me. Then, there was the dog as a helper that I couldn’t buy into.  I love Lisa Marie Rice. I think if the mystery/suspense would have been better, I would’ve loved the novella