Short Take Reviews: Smokeshow | You Can't Kiss the Nanny, Brady Banks

 

You Can't Kiss the Nanny, Brady Banks

by Piper Rayne

Series: Kingsmen Football Stars #2

Tropes: cinnamon roll hero, single dad, boss/employee, forced proximity

Violet and Brady had a steamy one-night stand and walked away the next morning without ever exchanging names (Violet’s decision, not Brady’s). Fast forward six months later and Brady is shocked to find that his ex has hired Violet as the nanny for their son. Awkward! After agreeing to set any residual feelings aside and keep things professional, there’s no denying that the chemistry is still explosive. They agree to a friends with benefits arrangement (well, more like a boss-employee with benefits arrangement), with Violet insisting that it ends when her assignment is over. Too bad that Brady had no intention of letting her go.

Brady and Violet were both such genuine, likable characters and it was easy to pull for them and want them to find their way together. Brady’s son Theo was an absolute sweetheart and added so many heartwarming moments to the story (man, did that kid love his dad… and Legos). I appreciated how Brady and Hannah (Theo’s mom) co-parented and that there was genuine care and respect between them, no animosity at all. Violet had some issues from past relationships to overcome and, very late in the story, it seemed Brady had his own issues with abandonment to work through. The bond that Theo and Violet formed was so sweet, and seeing how Brady reacted to their bond warmed my heart. This was a great addition to the Kingsmen Football series (and can be read as a standalone), and the set-up for the third and final book has me ready for more. 4 stars

Smokeshow

by Abbi Glines

Series: Smoke #1

Tropes: age gap, alpha male, mafia/organized crime, cliffhanger

So, I’m feeling super ranty, but just stick with me, okay? A couple years ago I finally swore off Abbi Glines because when it came to her books, I spent more time rolling my eyes than actually reading. But when I read the synopsis of Smokeshow, I was intrigued and, against my better judgment, decided to give it a go. The female main character was classic Abbi Glines: drop dead gorgeous (but of course is completely oblivious to this fact), is adored/lusted after by every male in a 50 mile radius, and is dumb as a box of rocks. Of the three guys who were immune to her (non-existent) charms, two were decent enough guys and one was a total a-hole. One guess who the love interest is.

It was obvious as soon as Maddy arrived at her new home and started meeting people that there was more going on than was being openly discussed. But Maddy was a doormat, easily manipulated, and basically went along with whatever she was told. She hung out a lot at her new friend Trevor’s house, even though public poolside sex seemed to be the norm and made her uncomfortable. When the a-hole simply could not stay away from her any longer (insert eye roll) and told her to pack a bag because she was now going to live with him… yeah, she went without a word. Then the plot took a one-way street into crazy town and I decided, sure, why not, I’m going with the crazy. And then it ended with a cliffhanger. Sounds like I didn’t like this one, right? Seems like I would run far, far away from a sequel, right? So ask me if I’m going to read the next book? You better believe I am. Sure Maddy is dumb, sure Blaise (did I mention the love interest is named Blaise?) is an a-hole, and yeah, the plot is so crazy that even a soap opera looks bland in comparison… but I got sucked in and I’m not walking away. Bring on the next book. I’m ready to return to this hot mess and eat it up with a spoon. 3 stars (I've changed my rating from 2.5 to 3.5 and everything in between. I'm settling on a 3.)

Have you read either of these books?

Short Take Reviews: The Green Family Series by Piper Rayne | Books #4 - #7

 

After discovering the Greene Family series late last year, I was hooked. Back in January, I shared my reviews for the first several books in the series, and today I'm back to chat about  the rest of the series (to date). I just finished the most recent release (My Scorned Best Friend released on July 12), and I'm already antsy for the next. Thankfully, I don't have long to wait since My Fake Fiancé comes out August 23. In the meantime, here are my thoughts on this feel-good series that continues to deliver.

MY SISTER'S FLIRTY FRIEND

The Greene Family #4

Format: Kindle

Jed was reeling after learning that he was father to a three year old girl he'd never met. To say he struggled with acceptance was an understatement. Now a single father and responsible for Emilia, he felt inadequate and as if he was bound to fail her, as his own father had failed him. Support came from his sister's friend Molly, the woman he'd been secretly trysting with on a no-strings-attached basis. Feeling a lack of connection with her own family, Molly had been embraced by the Greene clan. Watching as she, Jed, and Emilia bonded - separately and together - did my heart good. I loved Jed's transformation from skittish and filled with self-doubt, to a loving and doting father. So many of his scenes with Emilia melted my heart. Seeing these three become a family gave me all the feels and helped make this one of my favorite entries in the series. 4 STARS

MY UNEXPECTED SURPRISE

The Greene Family #5

Format: Audio

As sheriff in Sunrise Bay, Fisher is accustomed to the mantle of responsibility. Then he runs into Allie, his previous one night stand, and discovers she is pregnant with his baby. He immediately steps up, determined to do the right thing... all without becoming emotionally involved. Fisher has always been the most taciturn of the Greene siblings and tends to keep his feelings to himself. But Ali and impending fatherhood helped change that. I adored Fisher's gruff exterior that covered a heart of gold. Ali was the perfect match for him and her fiery personality meant she wasn't going to settle, but would fight for the man and the family she deserved. I loved when Fisher would make his "because I said so" demands and Ali would swiftly put him in his place. They were such a perfect match even though they had to really compromise and reimagine what their happily ever after would look like. Piper Rayne upped the emotion in this one and I was wiping away tears when their happily ever after was at risk. 4.25 STARS

MY FAMOUS FRENEMY

The Greene Family #6

Format: Audio

Posey was beyond surprised when her former childhood celebrity crush moved to Sunrise Bay. Gavin, who happened to be a friend of Posey's brother-in-law, was walking away from Hollywood and embarking on a new life in the small town. He made no effort to hide his interest in Posey and it was sweet how he invented reasons to see her and spend time with her. And it seemed the interest was mutual... until Posey learned that Gavin was running against her mother in the local mayoral race. Suddenly Gavin went from possible love interest to public enemy #1. While still enjoyable, My Famous Frenemy was not my favorite in the series. Posey's dislike of Gavin felt unreasonable and her treatment of him was so unfair and hurtful. Posey had always been closest to her mother, and in many ways felt responsible for her happiness. But her actions, which seemed petulant and immature, had me firmly on Team Gavin. When he finally drew the line and said enough, I was happy that he insisted she examine herself and make a choice. 3.5 STARS

A GREENE FAMILY VACATION

The Greene Family #6.5

Format: Audio

At just under 100 pages, there was plenty packed into this novella. When most of the Greene siblings head to a Hawaiian vacation, you know it's not all going to go smoothly. There were peeks at each couple (and the kids) which did my heart good. But it was single Chevelle who got the most page time. The ever-present push and pull between she and Cam was on full display while in Hawaii. And Cam making a late-night visit to the kids dressed as the Tooth Fairy was priceless. I know Rayne is saving Cam and Chevelle's story for last, and I'm so ready for it. 4 STARS

MY SCORNED BEST FRIEND

The Greene Family #7

Format: Audio

It's been a long wait for Xavier and Clara's story and it did not disappoint. Best friends since kindergarten, they've endured years of questions and assumptions about their relationship. They were one another's confidante, biggest supporter, and best friend, but they never crossed that line... until one night two years ago. Xavier's reaction the morning after led to a two year estrangement, which left them both at a loss and missing one another, but unable to move past it. It's when Xavier's teammate begins pursuing Clara, along with some not-so-gentle nudges from his family, that Xavier realizes that Clara has always been the one. Unfortunately, his epiphany comes just as Clara decides it's finally time to set her feelings aside and move on. I'm a sucker for the friends to lovers trope (it's one of my favorites), and Piper Rayne did it justice here. It took a lot for Xavier to move past his own fears but once he did, look out. This guy was going to woo his girl! I loved Clara's strength and her sense of self-worth. Her determination to live her own life and dreams and not lose them in the glare of Xavier's fame as a professional football player showed how truly grounded she was. The inclusion of so many of the extended Greene family was icing on the cake. 4 STARS

HAVE YOU READ THIS SERIES?

Short Take Reviews: The Greene Family series by Piper Rayne | Books #0.5 - #3

I was recently in the mood for something short and sweet so I picked up My Twist of Fortune on a whim. And I’m so glad I did! This prequel novella to the Green Family series checked all my boxes and was the perfect introduction to the loud, boisterous, meddling, blended Greene family. There's a time jump between the prequel novella and the rest of the series and subsequent books follow each of the (now grown) Greene kids. I'm excited to continue the series, but for now here are my thoughts through book #3.

MY TWIST OF FORTUNE

by Piper Rayne

Greene Family series #0.5

Pub date: February 4, 2021

Marla returns to Sunrise Bay, Alaska with her four children after divorcing her cheating husband. Determined to make a fresh start in her hometown, she almost immediately encounters Hank Greene, her husband’s cousin. They had feelings for one another in high school but never acted on them. Hank, a widower with five children of his own, is ready to (finally) pursue a relationship with Marla but knows there are hurdles to cross – from their kids and from the small-town gossip that spreads like wildfire.

This was my first book from the writing duo of Piper Rayne and I was hooked from the very start. I loved this story of two people of a certain age, who had been dealt some tough hands, but were willing to take a chance on one another to find lasting happiness. With a perfect mix of sweet and steamy plus some humor, I enjoyed this series starter from beginning to end. 4 STARS

MY BEAUTIFUL NEIGHBOR

by Piper Rayne

Greene Family series #1

Pub date: February 23, 2021

Cade is the eldest of the siblings in the blended Greene clan. He runs a local brewery with his stepbrother Jed, and has a good life, even if his love life is lacking. When he sees a stranger in the bar one day he’s instantly intrigued. Presley has come to Sunrise Bay for the reading of her mother’s will – the biological mother that she never met. Meeting her sister throws a wrench in Presley’s plans and she decides to stay in town and open her own business in the building she inherited. While Cade and Jed were hoping to expand their business into the space next to the brewery, a plan now foiled with Presley’s arrival, Cade is much more interested in the new owner than his business plan.

Jumping from the prequel novella to this first book and seeing all the Greene kids grown up was such a treat! As the oldest, Cade took his role as big brother seriously and was always looking out for his siblings. Presley was a little prickly at first, unwilling to accept the kindness and friendship of those in Sunrise Bay, but it was understandable considering her background and her feelings concerning her biological family. Once she came around, look out, because she and Cade were off and running. I thoroughly enjoyed this small-town romance and the tight knit Greene family. The family matriarch, Grandma Ethel, was super sassy and not above meddling as she saw fit – and provided plenty of comic relief. With an ending that provided one surprising set-up for the next book, My Beautiful Neighbor was a real treat. 4 STARS

MY ALMOST EX

by Piper Rayne

Greene Family series #2

Pub date: April 6, 2021

Adam has been struggling for the past year, ever since his wife walked out with little explanation, ending what he thought was an idyllic marriage to his high school sweetheart. His heartbreak quickly turns to anger and confusion when she returns to Sunrise Bay and approaches him as if all is well. After an accident, Lucy has a form of amnesia and has come back to Sunrise Bay to reclaim her life, and hopefully her memories. The husband she remembers is now distant and angry but still agrees to help her as she attempts to piece together her memories and try to understand why she left Adam, the man she’s always loved.

I’m a sucker for a second chance romance and this one gave me all the feels. I seriously loved Adam and Lucy and my heart ached for them as they took small steps to reconnect. Adam was devastated when Lucy left and was hesitant to trust again. And Lucy desperately wanted answers on why she walked away from Adam and their life together. I adored these two characters, and they truly captured my heart. Grandma Ethel continued to provide some comic relief and the warm, supportive presence of the entire Greene family made My Almost Ex my favorite in the series so far. 4 STARS

MY VEGAS GROOM

by Piper Rayne

Greene Family series #3

Pub date: May 18, 2021

While on a girl’s trip to Vegas, Nikki wakes up to a strange man in the shower… and a ring on her finger. Finding herself married to MMA fighter Logan Stone is a shock and she returns home determined to put it behind her. But she gets a bigger shock when Logan arrives in Sunrise Bay, meets the family, and announces he’s there to make their marriage work.

Nikki’s reports on the town gossip on-air every day at her job at the radio station. Suddenly, with Logan in town, the gossip is about her. I struggled a bit with Nikki because she hasn’t been my favorite character among the Greene family siblings. Her job is literally spreading gossip and rumors, and no one was immune, not even family members. The shining star for me was Logan. What a sweetheart! He was so certain that he and Nikki were meant to be, and he was willing to make sacrifices to make it happen. His patience with Nikki and her trust issues was seemingly unlimited, and I loved his willingness to put his heart on the line. Once again, Piper Rayne gave an ending that provided a big set-up for the next book, and I can’t wait to read more about the close-knit Greene family. 3.75 STARS

HAVE YOU READ THIS SERIES?