Review: Heart Check

 

Harper hates the hockey team; they're just a bunch of cocky sports guys. They get all the funding, and the rest of the school gets close to nothing. When the hockey coach gets fired, rumors fly that Harper's responsible. Now her jewelry making business is in jeopardy. 

Dawson knows he's a hockey superstar. But that won't mean anything if he can't get a scholarship to play hockey. He doesn't want to end up like his father, reliving his glory days while stuck in town. The loss of his coach and all his contacts is stressing out Dawson. The new coach isn't interesting in making him feel special. He's giving other guys on the team a chance. Dawson doesn't like his odds.

Harper and Dawson get thrown together. They start talking and realize that first impressions aren't always right. As they catch feelings for each other, they have to learn to trust each other. Or their new relationship just might be over before it started.

My Thoughts: I loved this book. It totally made me cry. I loved the slow burn between Dawson and Harper as they fought against their feelings. I loved Harper's jewelry business and I want to see pictures of the jewelry described. I loved Dawson's sister. I loved Sabrina. The hockey moments were great. I loved watching the team come together. This debut novel impressed the heck out of me and I can't wait read what Emily Charlotte writes next. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Why I Read This Book: I love sports romances

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your school and public library collections.

Review: Made in Manhattan

 

Violet is a snob and a people pleaser. When her honorary grandmother asks her to help out, deep down she knows she will. Even if the task is helping Edith's newly discovered grandson become one of society's elite. 

Cain isn't interested in a make-over. He's not even sure he wants to fun the family company. But he's not running for the hills either. Cain is willing to take things step by step while giving Violet a hard time.

Violet's not one to back down from a challenge. But the more time she spends with Cain, the more she begins to realize that she likes him...just the way he is.

My Thoughts: I loved this reverse My Fair Lady story. I really liked how both characters made each other better and expanded each other's views. Two names I'm forgetting - the dog and Violet's best friend. I loved Cain's interaction with the dog. I loved Violet's best friend prodding Violet to go outside her comfort zone. I loved the banter between Cain and Violet. Cain was so grumpy through most of the book that he reminded me of Roy Kent from Ted Lasso. Another great read from Lauren Layne.

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: Highly Recommended for your public library's romance collection.

A mood board I made for the book after reading: