Hello All!

Welcome to the first Reading Recommendations post for 2022. Yes, I’m aware it’s March. What can I say? This year has been throwing some interesting stuff my way lately, and not in the fun spanky way. But happy thoughts. While I’ve been on my unexpected hiatus, I’ve had plenty of time to catch up on my recreational reading and have found a few interesting titles to share with you all.

“Perfect Ten” (The Off-Season Book 1) by K.M. Neuhold

From The Blurb:

A cheeky virgin, a surprisingly romantic bartender, one house, and six months of nothing but fun…

I came to Palm Island two seasons ago, confused about my life and desperate for a change. The island drew me in, but I’m still not sure why. Maybe it’s time I cut my losses and go back home, back to med school like I always planned.

But when the breathtaking, flirtatious, tattooed bartender I’ve been crushing on for ages offers to let me room with him this off-season, there’s no way I’m leaving now.

I can’t believe I’ve lived here this long without truly appreciating everything the island has to offer: the beauty of its untouched nature, how to catch a wave, the appeal of casual s…well, you know. But Ten seems determined to make sure I experience every last one, and then some. Will this be the last off-season I spend here or could this thing between Ten and I be perfect?

My Thoughts:

A low angst, easy to read romance featuring an exotic island location, a cast of fun side characters and a nice slow burn story that’s perfect for a rainy afternoon (I’ve had A LOT of these lately!)

There is a little too much setting up of characters and stories for other books in the series, but this is easily forgiven given that the overall story is sweet, charming and beautifully put together.

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.

“Ground Zero” (Zero Hour Book 1) by Aimee Nicole Walker

From The Blurb:

Heat, humidity, and homicide are things veteran detective Sawyer Key expects to encounter on his first day with the Savannah Police Department, but the hostile reception from his new partner catches him by surprise. Sawyer isn’t a stranger to heartache and recognises that Royce Locke is a wounded man who’s reeling from a devastating loss. Relentless and patient in all things, Sawyer is determined to make the new partnership work.

Savannah, Georgia is known for her quirky people, oak trees draped in Spanish moss, and antebellum architecture. Beneath the Southern charm and hospitality, festering hatred and violence is soaring with the summer temperatures. Locke and Key find themselves at the epicenter when their first case involves the death of a former shock jock who appears to be the victim of vigilante justice. Opposites in nearly every way, the two detectives set aside their differences to take back their city and restore law and order. From this reluctant truce, an intense attraction grows that will either tighten or shatter their tenuous bond. Falling for his partner spells inevitable disaster, but Sawyer’s always been a sucker for wounded things.

Sawyer could be the key to the life Royce has always wanted, if he’s brave enough to trust him. The fuse is lit, the clock is running, and the zero hour is upon them. Tick tock.

My Thoughts:

I love a good mystery / romance, and the Zero Hour series is an excellent collection of well written, well researched and brilliantly conceived tales, with Ground Zero being the first in the series. A strong mystery plot, two complex and instantly engaging main characters and a gradually unfurling romance makes for a cracking good read. This one kept me guessing until the very end, while the romantic side of things was hot, believable and open to continuing in the following books. All in all, I loved it.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

“Ethan & Jag Destroy The World” by Maz Maddox

From The Blurb:

Jagmarith, Demon champion of the Blood Wars, detests festivities.

He’s certainly not a fan of humans or their ridiculous holidays. Winter festivals. Celebrations of flowers. Misshapen hearts to symbolize love. All pointless and weak. Unfortunately, his feelings are not taken into consideration when he’s summoned by ancient magic to the human realm.

Stolen from his home in Hell, Jagmarith is now at the mercy of a bumbling, adorable human named Ethan, who has accidentally bound Jagmarith to him. Now, Jag must endure grueling human holidays like Christmas and pretend to be a nice human boyfriend to the man who summoned him. The fake boyfriend role has been very trying.

But along with the upcoming Halloween party and fuss over finding the perfect ghoulish decorations, not to mention the very odd feelings he’s developing for Ethan, there’s that little matter of the impending Armageddon to deal with.

Jag is not pleased.

My Thoughts:

This book was HILARIOUS! I honestly haven’t laughed this hard at a book in ages. The wonderfully witty and surreal concept combined with hysterically warped characters and dialogue is a thing of magic. Jag is a scene stealer. Some of his inner thoughts and dialogue had me howling with laughter. If you like the idea of a light and fluffy fantasy rom-com with a demented and dark sense of humour, you will adore this book. Highly Recommended.

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars.

Employee of the Month:

NEW PAPERBACK EDITIONS NOW AVAILABLE!

I have recently re-released brand new print editions of my all books, including my latest novel Following His Bliss. You can find universal Amazon order links here, find my books at select online retailers or order them from your favourite independent bookstore.

Well, that’s all from me for this month. I hope you are all keeping well and staying safe. Be kind to one another and Happy Reading to you.

Lots of Love

Alex Leslie

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