Monday 13 September 2021

💜 BUSY BEAN #6 + #7 + #8 + #9 + #10 ⭐️ Steamy Small-Town Series - Standalones 💜

  ©  Bianca ✰ Janeane 



The New Busy Bean Café Series is a complete standalone series, but it is part of the new World of True North Series and slightly connected aka a spin-off to Sarina Bowen's True North Series!
So if you're weird like us - read Sarina's #Bittersweet first ☺



• Book #6 in the Busy Bean Series
 • 
13 September 2021
• Standalone (mature) Sexy Small-Town Romance


★★★
2.5 Stars

Basketball has always been his one love, until now . . .

Zeke Armstrong never imagined he’d be back in Vermont, but here he is, living in Colebury and trying to rehab an injury that could mean an early retirement from pro basketball. Running into his former classmate, Mallory Barrett, shouldn’t be a distraction. It shouldn’t mean anything, so why is he accidentally on purpose showing up at the coffee shop where the beautiful writer spends her time?

 Mallory Barrett has met a guy. Well, she hasn’t met him yet, except for on the dating app she almost refused to download. “Coby” sparks her interest and gets her jokes--and gives the romance-novel heroes she loves so much a full-court run for their money. When their first date doesn’t work out, she decides to give him another shot . . . just as a man she despises reenters her life. While her interest in the mystery man on the app grows, she clashes constantly with Zeke in real life. She can’t forgive him for humiliating her in high school, yet she can’t deny she’s drawn to him now.

 She’s somehow gone from confirmed bachelorette to the tie-breaker between two men.  Meanwhile, Zeke has a secret--one that will cost him the game if Mallory finds out . . .




DNF at 22%

This book and I were not a fit, however I am sure plenty of others are going to love the shit out of it.





Mallory + Zeke

They were best friends as kids, but now she hates him. She's hated him for 15 years now.
But now he's back in town and he's kinda still interested in being her friend - or more. 
And with his secret dating app alter ego, she's all interested - but she doesn't know it's him.


 
Well ... I didn't finish this.
I wanted to ...because I didn't hate hate it. I don't know what it was. I just couldn't keep on reading. The writing, the people, the silly dating app trope, the constant teaching us about authors and basketball, their ages! They're 28 - not 19 like I first thought and like they behave! I just couldn't go on.
But then I had a bit of free time between books and I thought - okay - let's try this one more time. I hate not finishing books. And I still didn't love it. I really liked Zeke, but he was basically the only good part of the book. I just couldn't handle the ridiculous dating app 'secret' trope and their ages and all the other people in there - I don't care for that at all. I finished it but I fast-forwarded a lot.

It wasn't our day book - you were not bad, it was probably just my mood. Sorry.

DOUBLETALK was a cute kinda second-chance author + baller love story.

'no rating' or maybe kinda 3 stars or 2.9

 LINKS TO THE BOOK
   

______________________


• Book #7 in the Busy Bean Series
 • 13 September 2021
• Standalone (mature) Sexy Small-Town Romance


★★★★
4.5 Stars

Ms. Sunshine meets Mr. Grumpy! From USA Today bestselling author R.L. Kenderson.


“Sometimes, not knowing where you’re going will lead you to where you need to be.”

 CHARLI

 My workplace eliminated my position the same month my relationship ended. With nothing keeping me in Richmond, Virginia, I get in my car and head northeast, unsure of where I’ll end up.

 Until I walk into The Busy Bean Café.

With the Help Wanted sign and the quote on the wall meant for me, I know I’ve found my new home.

 GABE


I gave up my executive job in Boston to come home to help run my family’s hardware store and to open my own handcrafted furniture business. I have specific plans for my life.

Those plans don’t include the coffee shop’s new flighty barista even if she is cute as hell.

But when I become Charli’s landlord, I find it harder than ever to stay away from her. And soon, I don’t want to.




ARC received for an honest review
 
Such a cute story, and I was glad that it was one that wasn't too heavy on the drama.  Sure, there were issues with our lovelies, but nothing to over the top and nothing that wasn't resolved quickly.

There was something that happens that I picked from a mile away, but it was the waiting game for it to happen.

I loved the crew from the Busy Bean, and I have a sweet spot for Gabe's dad.

I also liked that this book was straight to the point, no faffing about to get where we needed to go.
 





Charli + Gabe

Charli lost her job and her boyfriend in Virginia and decided to get a new start. Which she found in Vermont - as the new Busy Bean barista.
And she's also the new renter of Gabe.
Grumpy Gabe who doesn't have time for pretty neighbors. He needs to work. He has furniture to build and money to make...

LET THE FUN TIMES BEGIN! 🤣



 
Adorable!
This was such a cute romance! With the the most adorable grumpy hero!
It was funny and sparky and sexy. But we also get some serious moments with the dad.
I really enjoyed reading this!

Like I always say when it comes to books in the True North World: I could read these kinds of books every day for the rest of eternity!
And I also wouldn't mind seeing this whole world on Netflix one day!

Can't wait to get more Vermont soon!

SIDETEACKED was an adorable + funny + sexy love story! Run to your nearest amazon for your own grumpy Gabe - he'll be sold out in no time!




 LINKS TO THE BOOK
   

______________________


• Book #8 in the Busy Bean Series
 • 
13 September 2021
• Standalone (mature) Sexy Small-Town Romance


★★★★
4.5 Stars

The newest barista at the Busy Bean is about to steam the place up...

Former Marine Mason Rye can make a cappuccino with military precision, but he finds it much harder to serve up a smile. It’s not that he doesn’t like people. But he knows from experience that once you let someone in, it hurts like hell when you lose them. And Mason’s lost too many people already.

 So it’s pretty damn inconvenient when his old Marine buddy shows up on Mason’s goat farm with his younger sister in tow. Heather’s work in Washington D.C. has turned dangerous, and she needs a safe place out of town.

 Mason doesn’t need a new roommate, especially not a pretty, single one who insists on rearranging his spice rack and giving his chickens cute names. Although there’s no denying the haunted look in her blue eyes. Every time her fear shows its face, he wants to reach for her.

The problem is that she wants him, too. And when Mason breaks all his rules, they practically burn down his bed together. But her life is in D.C. And the threat against her is over.

Unfortunately, neither of their hearts is fireproof...

Warning: this stand-alone novel contains cute goats, bossy Marines, and small-town charm.




ARC received for an honest review
 
You had me at goats! 

Grumpy gus Mason doesn't know what hit him when his best friend's sister comes to stay, when her life in DC comes to a screeching halt.

But man, there is nothing but sparks beneath the gruff exterior, and even his heart can't deny her.

Heather, Heather, Heather.  Now, I love what you are doing in Vermont, but for the love of God, the flip flopping about having to go home when you have all that in front of you - girl, you blind or stupid or something lol.  I would stay in a heartbeat I tell ya!

I did love the people around the farm and town - I don't even like coffee, but I would be in the Busy Bean every day for Roderick's baked goodies (and would put on so much weight they would have to roll me out of there)

One thing that irked me though - everything was so bad in DC, then poof, one thing and all of it was done and dusted.  Just didn't ring right that these things wouldn't have carried on - but this is just a me thing.

These books need to go on forever and ever.

Also, did I mention there were baby goats??





Mason + Heather

Mason used to be in the military, but he's back home now. Trying to keep his uncle's goat farm alive. But the farm doesn't make enought money, so he's also the new grumpy barista at the Busy Bean.
Heather is an education lobbyist in Washington and after testifying against a very popular senator, she now receives very serious threats, so that her brother decides she has to leave town for a while!
Off to Vermont we go!

LET THE FUN TIMES BEGIN!!! 🤣



 
Well .. that was adorable.
 
I really liked reading this. Poor Mason! He was pretty happy with his quiet life as a goat farmer and barista and now this pretty girl is living with him! LOL!
It was so funny and sparky and goaty and adorable, but of course we also get some exciting and suspensy frustrating moments!
Great romance! I really enjoyed reading about those two! And the dog!!!

Like I always say when it comes to books in the True North World: I could read these kinds of books every day for the rest of eternity!
And I also wouldn't mind seeing this whole world on Netflix one day!

Can't wait to get more Vermont soon!

FIREPROOF was an adorable + sparky + funny + farmy love story! Run to your nearest amazon for your own Mason - he'll be sold out in no time!


 LINKS TO THE BOOK
   

______________________



• Book #9 in the Busy Bean Series
 • 
13 September 2021
• Standalone Small-Town Romance


★★★★
4.233 Stars

A moving second-chance romance where hope can turn history into a footnote.

 

Sasha Covey needs a rewrite. Or a really big eraser. Her past doesn’t belong in the life she’s trying to rebuild. Her future—and her recovery—depend on a fresh start. Moving to Colebury seems like the perfect test until Penley Brooks waltzes into the Busy Bean. The handsome veterinarian is just as charming as when she fell for him a decade ago. Memories come flooding back, and their connection is as potent as ever.

 

Trouble is, Sasha has good reason to keep her distance. Her recovery is still new, and the single dad has wounds of his own. After years of being an afterthought, Penley’s goals are finally within reach. As much as she aches to reconnect, Sasha won’t stand in the way of his dreams.

 

Somehow, that all melts away whenever she’s with Penley. Together, dreaming is a little easier.

 

But dreams don’t always survive in the real world. Not when the past comes knocking.

 

Footnote is a standalone small-town romance set in the True North world.




ARC received for an honest review
 
Coming Soon!





Sasha + Penley

When Sasha was 14 she was hopelessly in love with 16 year old Penley. Their parents were dating so they lived together for a while, but then Sasha disappeared out of Pen's life.
Now ten years later, they're both back in Colebury, Vermont. He's the town vet and a divorced single dad. And she's jobbing at the Busy Bean, while she's getting ready to go back to psych school after being gone for a year due to her illness.
And she's still hopelessly crushing on the hot vet!

LET THE FUN TIMES BEGIN!!! 🤣



 
Well .. that was adorable.
I just don't like romances where the hero or heroine is sick. I just hate that. Doesn't matter if it's cancer or heart or addiction.. I don't want that in my cute romances!
But I still liked reading this. It was so cute and adorable and sweet and nerdy with their word games! And with all the adorable animals and Pen's son.
It was a really cute romance with some very hard parts.

I so wouldn't mind seeing this whole world on Netflix one day!

FOOTNOTE was an adorable + sweet + heartbreaking second-chance love story! Run to your nearest amazon for your own Penley - he'll be sold out in no time!


 LINKS TO THE BOOK
    

______________________



• Book #10 in the Busy Bean Series
 • 
13 September 2021
• Standalone (mature) Sexy Small-Town Romance


★★★★
4.9 Stars

I’m a numbers girl.

Or at least I thought I was, until my formula fell apart. Back home in Vermont, with my dream on hiatus, I’m working at the Busy Bean and taking online classes. As long as I keep my focus, I’ll be back in New York City next semester. Hopefully.

When Declan O’Shaughnessy storms into the café, all muscles and tattoos, wielding his sexy Irish brogue like a weapon, the only equation I can solve is one that lands me in his bed. Even more dangerous is my growing affection for his cherub-faced little boy.

 But Declan has complications of his own. He’s cagey, but I’ll win him over.

 Yeah, about that focus… mine is all on him. Can we have a harmless fling without getting hurt?




ARC received for an honest review
 
Well, hello sexy Irish single dad!

We have another grumpy lumbersexual in Declan.  The light to his dark is Solana/Sunny and she is strong and feisty.

Declan has his dramas - names an ex wife who needs a strong slap about the head. Boy, what a cow is that one.
 
And don't get me started on Sunny's brother - that one needs a nut punch.  Like, a kick that moves his balls to his throat lol 

There is an absolutely scene stealer that will run far far away with you heart.

Sunny and Declan are two broken souls who find a light in each other, and bring light to those around them.






Solana + Declan

Sunny is almost 22 and she's back home in Vermont because she lost her scholarship in New York, but she wants to go back as sooon as possible - meanwhile she's a barista at the Busy Bean.
Declan is a 34 year old divorced dad of a four year old boy. His ex is horrible! But she has her reasons for not trusting him more with their son.
Sunny and Dec should not have anything in common other than this super-insta attraction... and she'll be back in New York soon and he's way too old with huge problems in his life ... right?

LET THE FUN TIMES BEGIN!



 
Adorable!
But also not. I just hate it when my hero or heroine are sick - in whatever way. This time it's alcohol addiction. And the heroine's parents have been killed by drunk driver when she was seven. It wasn't our hero, but still - she will probably hate him once she finds out about his addiction. I hate that.
And I hated Dec's ex wife and Sunny's brother. I can understand her reasons about his addiction, but she's still a huge b-word!
Other than all that, this was such a cute and sexy age gap romance!
The little boy is so adorable and he's so sad that he doesn't get to see his dad more often!😭
The mom and brother get so much better at the end - so that's something at least. I really loved reading this.
There were some parts where there was just too much conversation for my tastes. They talked too much and in such a weird way, with too many weird or complicated words. Words that a 22 year old would not use in a conversation. Tiny example about his 'balcony' .. she asks if he uses this frequently. That sentence sounded so silly. A normal girl would not use the word frequently in this situation - she would've  just said - do you come up here often. Or do you use this a lot? I think a few hundred words could've been cut - or should've been cut by an editor.
But still - I really loved Dec and Sunny and Liam and Ethan!
Great love story!

And like I always say when it comes to books in the True North World: I could read these kinds of books every day for the rest of eternity!
And I also wouldn't mind seeing this whole world on Netflix one day!

AFTERGLOW was such an adorable + sexy + funny + exciting + heartbreaking age gap love story! Run to your nearest amazon for your own Dec - he'll be sold out in no time!




 LINKS TO THE BOOK
   



Books by Sarina Bowen:

🍎🍏🍎 True North Book #1 🍎🍏🍎



🏳️‍🌈 Wes & Jamie 🏳️‍🌈

Good Boy


The Company Book #1
  

Hockey #6

  


YA Rockstar Romance-ish

   





Sarina Bowen writes steamy, angsty Contemporary Romance and New Adult fiction from the wilds of Vermont.

She is the author of The Ivy Years, an award-winning series set amid the hockey team at an elite Connecticut college.

Waiting for more Ivy Years? You can read more about upcoming volumes in the four book series at http://www.sarinabowen.com/theivyyears

Also, the Gravity series.

Sarina enjoys skiing, espresso drinks and the occasional margarita. She lives with her family, eight chickens and more ski gear and hockey equipment than seems necessary.

To be kept abreast of new releases, please feel free to sign up for the mailing list at http://www.sarinabowen.com/contact.

Or visit the her Facebook page, or tweet her @sarinabowen