book blog – The Spine View

Blue Collar Billionaire by Amy Andrews

Blue Collar Billionaire, by Amy Andrews, has one of my favorite troupes, opposites attract. It also has just the right amount of steam along with great characters, and explosive attraction. It was a blast to read and perfect for readers who enjoy a steamy cup of goodness.

I absolutely fell for the main characters. I loved Holly, she is an eclectic mix of intelligence, quirkyness and old-school notions. As an ER doctor she is driven and hyper focused on her goals. Then she meets Danny and gets to know him. Danny makes her melt and their attraction is off the charts. As for Danny, he most certainly knew how to get under her skin. He always makes her a melting mess of hormones. In contrast to Holly, Danny is you typical laid back, fly by the seat of your pants, musician. He is good looking and he knows it. He reeks of masculinity and cocky attitude. The total opposite of Holly. Yet they work so well together.

Holly doesn’t have time for a relationship and Danny feels like he is a plebian compared to her. Therefore, despite the attraction both of them feel they tell themselves they are just scratching an itch. Then the most unexpected thing happens. Danny’s Uncle, who raised him, dies suddenly and leaves him a straggling amount of money. Money can be a good thing or a bad thing. The ten dollar question is, will Danny be mature enough to handle the windfall responsibly.

In summary, this book is an enjoyable, quick and fun read. I was fully invested in Holly and Danny’s story, which felt real, and I was routing for them throughout the book. If you like a romance story with a decent plot and a good dose of steam, then this is the book for you. Enjoy!

I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

The Hot Shot by Kristen Callihan

Rating: 5 Stars
Pub. Date: April, 18, 2017

This story really grabbed me and I am so gone for Finn the MMC. He is perfectly imperfect and totally swoon worthy. Combine him with Chess, who is an awesome, strong female main character that I enjoyed reading about, and I couldn’t get enough of them.

The two main characters, Chess and Finn, meet during a photo shoot. Chess is the photographer hired to take tasteful nudes of some members of the local pro football team for a charity calendar. Finn is the young, cocky QB for the team.

While it was not instant love there was some chemistry between them. Chess won a lot of points with me on how she handled Finn when he was extremely uncomfortable with the photo shoot. I believe she saw a venerability in Finn that he usually did not show people and it intrigued her. Then her small act of kindness had me routing for them.

From the beginning, I could see these two together. That feeling got stronger the more I got to know them. It helped that the story developed organically and it felt like I was reading about a real life couple. Another aspect of the story that I liked was the characters start out as just friends despite their chemistry. It made for a tension filled slow burn delight.

This book is number four in the Game On series; however, it can be read as a standalone. I had previously read book three, but not one and two. I have enjoyed both books I have read so far in this series; therefore, I plan to read book one and two also. I highly recommend this book and the series. I also feel this book would be a great choice for a book club. There are a lot of subjects that were touched on in the story that would make for a lively discussion.

I received a free copy from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.

Blackthorn by J. T. Geissinger

Mavon returns to her ancestral home, with her young daughter, in order to attend the funeral of her grandmother. It was supposed to be a quick trip and she would return to her life in the city. Of course, even the best laid plans go awry when witch craft is involved and her grandmother’s body goes missing.

To add insult to injury, it was inevitable that she would run into her arch enemy Ronan Croft. Ronan is the billionaire heir and current CEO of Croft Pharmaceuticals. However, they were not always enemies. They had been lovers and even if Mavon wants to forget, her body has not. With each encounter more of their past is revealed and some secrets are not going to remain in the dark.

I love books that are character driven. It is the main thing that drives my quest for great stories. However, this book was all about the multi-layered plot and witty, cutting, banter. Yes, the characters were great; however, I got so wrapped up in the plot I didn’t pay as much attention as I normally do to character develop. In fact, I got so invested in this story that it had me reading until 2:00AM to finish.

The chemistry between the MMC and FMC was off the charts and I liked how the author built up the tension. Both characters had a lot of past baggage they each had to unpack and there were a couple of questions I had that were not answered until the very end. The book definitely had my complete attention the entire time I was reading.

The plot was fast based and there were plenty of twists. A couple of big twists actually. There was one twist at the end I figured out, and you will too if you pay addition to the details. I liked that the author allowed me to figure it out. It was as if she was seeing how clever her readers could be.

This is a dark romance; so, read the warnings carefully. That said, this is on the lighter side of dark romance. If dark romance can have a light side. In addition, this book has a lot of the same vibes as PenPal. Therefore, if you read and enjoyed that book you need to read this one NOW. For those readers who have not read any books by Geissenger, you need to read this book if you are into dark romance. In summary, an enjoyable read and I highly recommend.

I received a free copy from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.

The Solider by Susan Stoker

Pub. Date: August 12, 2025
Rating: 4 Stars

When their dad passes away, it is a no brainer for the four Young brothers return home to Lobster Cove in order to help their mom with the three businesses their parents own. Chad, a former sharp shooter in the military, is the one to return first.

While out doing errands Chad meets Britt, a woman in distress. Britt moved to Maine with her deadbeat boyfriend who left her stranded without money after just two weeks. She has had no luck finding a job. So when Chad offers her a job, and she talks to Chad’s mother, she gladly accepts a job helping with the rental cabins at Lobster Cove.

Chad and Britt are both living in the large main house and cross paths often. Therefore, it is not surprising that they catch feelings. Britt especially loves that she gets treated like family, something she never had growing, by the various people who work on the property. Despite the hard work she is falling, for not only Chad, but all things Lobster Cove. Unfortunately, not all is well there. There are some sinister things going on and Britt finds herself right in the middle of it all.

Lovely descriptive prose was the star in this book. It made me want to go visit the Maine coast. In the summer, of course. I enjoyed reading scenes, like the one with the rope swing, that enhanced that small town, tight family vibes this book exuded. Very well executed and the story gave me a lot of feels.

My only complaint (and it is minor) is the plot felt a little rushed. I would have preferred more of a slow burn to the love story. This would allow for more character development too. Of course, this is personal preference and there will be other readers that don’t care for the angst that goes with a slow burn plot. The rest of the plot worked well, I thought. The twist was not a big surprise but it did add to the tension and worked to kind of wrap things up.

In short, The Solider, is a cute story about found family and finding love when you least expect it. It is always a pleasure to read a book that checks a lot of boxes for me. Therefore, I can confidently recommend this one to anyone who likes a feel-good, small-town romance.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via Net Galley, in exchange for my honest review. If you want to read more of my reviews, check out my book blog at www.thespineview.com.

Chasing the Wild by Elliott Rose

Pub. Date: June 22, 2024
Rating: 5 Stars

Book Blurb:

What happens when you’re snowed in on a mountain ranch, with the one man you definitely should not be fantasizing about?
I’ve always done what was expected of me. Layla Birch, the good girl.
Forced to grow up too fast. To take care of everything myself. I had a plan.
Only, I didn’t count on him. Colton Wilder. The cowboy nearly twice my age.
He’s my dream man. One who takes care of me, gives me a job, and makes my pulse thud harder every time he comes near.
My ex-boyfriend’s father.
The nights are long and cold on top of this mountain. As the snow grows thicker and the tension builds between us, we’re both inching closer to a line we shouldn’t cross.
Each day, it grows harder to resist the man who looks at me with longing in his eyes.
It’s tempting to forget about being the good girl for once.
No one would find out. Would they?

My Thoughts:

This is my first time reading a book by this author, Elliott Rose, and I will definitely be reading more by her. Actually, I don’t know what took me so long to discover her. Her writing style reminds me a bit of Carian Cole, another author that I am fond of.

There are several things that made this book hit me just right. To begin with, I’m a sucker for age-gap and grumpy/sunshine troupes. This story had that going for it before I read past the first chapter. Combine these things with great characters that had depth, a healthy dose of spice and a beautifully written story and just wow. I stayed up late to finish and I’m still thinking about this one. Yeah, it was that good.

I highly recommend; especially, if you have read and liked any of these books: Birthday Girl, Don’t Kiss the Bride and Older. Note, there are a few triggers, so be sure to read the warnings.

The Minister’s Wife by John Anthony Miller

I was first drawn to The Minister’s Wife, by John Anthony Miller, because I was intrigued by the idea of a woman spy during the Revolutionary War. I love books that highlight strong women in unusual circumstances and this book delivered. I need more books like this!

Abigail, the minister’s wife, has just returned to Philadelphia from New York with her new husband. She comes home to find, in her absence, the city has been captured by the English and the redcoats are everywhere she looks.

However, some things have not changed. Ian Blaine, her former lover, still lives in the city and when he is accused of being a traitor to the crown old feelings begin to rise in her. Though he is able to prove he is innocence, the English are watching him closely, especially the English Commander Duncan.

Soon it becomes obvious that Ian still loves Abigail and he just can’t stay away from her. As Abigail is pulled into the web of patriot spies, there are lies and deceit that abound that will threaten both her and Ian.

This story is full of twists and turns you will not see coming. The plot is fast paced and the suspense was almost unbearable at times. I was on the edge of my seat with worry about Ian and Abigail being caught. They took far too many chances, in my opinion, and it made my heart skip a beat every time they took an unnecessary risk. Then the dramatic ending just sealed my love of this story.

Not only did I got caught up in the drama of the story early on, but it was also the character of Abigail that made me really love this book. She was so brave. She knew she was taking big risks; yet, she found the courage to do what she thought was right.

The type of suspense, and the characters, in this book are what I feel makes a good story great. Perfect book for fans of Historical Thrillers. I also think it will appeal to those Romance readers who enjoy a story that is not all fluff and has a bit of bite to it.

I received a free copy in exchange for by honest review.

Not the Witch You Wed by April Asher

Though this is a well-loved troupe of enemies to lovers, you can’t help but love this sweet and funny story. The characters make this paranormal Rom-Com well worth reading. Give me a swoon worth leading man and a sassy witch any day!

Violet Maxwell is one of three triplets and the only one without any magic ability and life is going well for her without it, thank you very much.…. until it isn’t. First off, she finds out that that she will be forced to mate with someone in order to stabilize the magic she does not possess. Stupid laws! Furthermore, at an engagement party for one of her sisters, she runs into an old flame, Lincoln Thorne, who broke her heart in school. He stirs not only her anger, but feelings she would rather not revisit.

However, Lincoln popping back into Violet’s life maybe fortuitous, since he is also facing a similar fate of an arranged marriage. When Lincoln suggests that they fake date in order to bide themselves more time to figure out a way out of these unwanted marriages, Violet goes along with his plan. Yet, the feelings that he stirs maybe the least of her problems, because he also has stirred her magic to life.

I have been stuck on these rom-coms lately because I am a sucker for a happy ending, especially so with all that is going on right now. These types of books are the perfect escapism that I find are the perfect stress relief. This book in particular fit the bill and drew me in. I totally got lost in the story and the funny scenes and snarky comments made it even better.

The plot flowed nicely and I loved the various paranormal elements. The author gives the reader just enough world building and back story for context; yet, not enough to get bogged down in. As far as rom-com goes, this is one of the better ones. Not too sappy, not too much drama but plenty of pizazz.

I really thought Asher brought her A game on this one. I recommend for all readers of rom-com, especially those that like the paranormal element.

I received a free copy, via NetGalley, from the publisher, in exchange for my honest review.

Street Freaks by Terry Brooks

Title: Street Freaks
Author: Terry Brooks
Pub. Date: 2-Oct-2018
Rating: 4 Stars

Street Freaks is not your typical Terry Brooks novel. He is best known for his fantasy novels. I remember reading his Sword of Shannara series when I was younger and loved his story telling, characters and brilliant world building. I have never doubted his writing ability; however, I was surprised to realize this is a YA Sci-Fi book. Regardless, of the genre, Terry Brooks is a great writer and Street Freaks just goes to show how great his skills are.

The story is set in the future where technology has advanced to the point that machine and man can and have been seamlessly integrated to overcome debilitating illnesses and injuries. At the beginning we meet Ashton (Ash) Collins. He is your typical teenager who lives at home with his Dad and 3 robots until one day he gets an urgent call from his Father to run as fast as he can to the Red Zone and go to Street Freaks. Ash has lived a sheltered life thus far and he is not prepared for what he finds in the Red Zone or at Street Freaks.

Fortunately for Ash, the kids (actually young adults) at Street Freaks, a place where street cars are built and raced, take him in and make him part of their community of misunderstood rejects of experiments. That’s right, in this dystopian future, companies have experimented on kids and then disposed of them. They help him to discover what happened to his father. Together this band of unlikely allies sets out to take down the person and company who is responsible for Ash’s father’s disappearance and in the process hopefully expose the terrible things that have happened to kids.

Even though this was not the typical Terry Brooks story I am accustomed to, I liked it. Mr. Brooks has developed characters that you can empathize with and I was routing for them throughout the story. The future he has envisioned in this story was well thought-out and worked nicely with the plot. There is a lot of attention to detail and the story and characters are better for it.

The plot was paced nicely and I appreciated that Mr. Brooks did not just do a data dump to the reader in the beginning. All the facts and information important to the story were doled out only as needed. There were several twists in the story and a couple of real surprises that keep me interested and yet I did not get a feeling of the plot being overworked.

As I said, the story is well told and I think it will appeal to Sci-Fi and Fantasy readers alike. Though a note of caution, it is a YA book but some of the topics are not suited for the younger reader. Therefore, I recommend only for ages 16+.

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

The Adults by Caroline Hulse

Title: The Adults
Author: Caroline Hulse
Pub. Date: 27-Nov-18
Rating: 4 Stars

Could you spend the holidays with your ex and new partner? In this funny, and sometimes harrowing story, of 4 adults trying to have a “Normal” Christmas for the sake of one child, the author explores the underlying problems that make this a very bad idea and a good story (provided you are not in the story). Of course, the adults are anything but adults and when jealously, insecurity and other normal human emotions enter into the mix it is a disaster in the making.

The story opens with a frantic call to the police by Alex, Matt’s partner, saying someone has been shot with an arrow. Then Alex hangs up. Now step backwards in time a few weeks, to when Matt finally has the courage to tell Alex that he has already committed them to plans for the holidays. They are spending the holidays with Claire, his ex, and Claire’s partner Patrick at the Happy Forest Holiday Park. They want Scarlett, Matt and Claire’s daughter, to have a normal family Christmas.

Everything is already planned he says. Just pack a bag and have fun he says. I don’t know on what planet he thought it would be fun; because we all know, even without the glimpse into the future we got at the start of the story, these “Adults” are asking for trouble. Boy, oh boy did they get it!

Usually I do not like to know what is going to happen in advance, but in this instance it really worked. Since we know how things are going to end it leaves the reader time to imagine all the possible things that could go wrong before they arrive there. While reading, I constantly had thoughts such as, surely this was an accident, who shot who, what about Scarlett, and so on. In short, the plot execution was spot on. The pace was great too. All the little incidents that happened, such as Posey not liking Alex because scientists experiment on rabbits, moved the plot along in a way that I kept wanting to read more.

Throw in the loveable and flawed characters and one invisible, talking rabbit and you have a winning combination. I especially liked how the author presented some very real problems that lots of families face and injected some humor to make a very likable story. The character of Scarlett was particularly well done and by giving her an invisible friend, Posey, which she communicated with we were able to understand her view point. Scarlett and Posey made the story!

In recap, this is a humorous story and I think it will appeal to readers who like humorous fiction as well as readers who like stories about family dynamics and dysfunctional families. I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Beneath the Same Stars: A Novel of the 1862 U.S. – Dakota War by Phyllis Cole-Dai

Title: Beneath the Same Stars
Author: Phyllis Cole-Dai
Pub. Date: Aug-2018
Rating: 5 Stars

Are you a lover of Historical Fiction and/or American history? If so, you must read Beneath the Same Stars by Phyllis Cole-Dai. I have rarely read a book that portrayed the plight of the Native American so accurately. Much of the American history that I was taught was heavy on the American Revolution, Civil War and the two World Wars. The conflict with Native Americans got just a light gloss over. It is a tragedy because it has allowed us to continue to overlook their issues and concerns.

The main character, Sarah Wakefield, is the wife of an army physician stationed in Redmond which is part of the upper reservation of the Sioux. She has been assured that it is safe and most of the Sioux are farmers and mission Indians. Yet the tensions have been mounting with the Sioux. The Sioux have been promised, by the Great Father in Washington, a yearly payment in gold and food as compensation for the loss of their hunting grounds. Despite these promises every year the Sioux are cheated out of both food and money.

The tensions come to a head in August 1862 when yet again the promised amount of food is not sent to the Sioux. Faced with a winter of starvation, the Sioux kidnap Sarah and her two children along with other white families as hostages in an attempt to force payment of what has been promised. Fortunately for Sarah a Sioux warrior Caske takes her in as his wife. This gives her and her children some measure of protection from the other Sioux who might do her harm. Of course, when the uprising escalates into an all-out war, Sarah is stuck in the middle.

Though this book is a work of fiction, the underlying facts are historically accurate. The author has taken the real people that were involved in the conflict and given them a voice. She has accurately portrayed the prejudices of the time and the consequences of the actions on both sides of the conflict.

In addition, the author has done an outstanding job of weaving the fact and the fiction together to create a compelling piece of literature. She invites you to step into the world of Sarah Wakefield if only for a brief period. This is a must read for lovers of history of all kinds not just Native American history.

I received a free copy for the author in exchange for my honest review.