Lia RileyRecensioni

Breezy Angel is a children's librarian and huge fan of hockey in general and Jed West, captain of the Hellions, in particular. Jed ends up agreeing to fill in at a library event in his coach's place and saves Breezy from being publicly humiliated by a wardrobe malfunction. The two of them start seeing more of each other and soon become a couple, but they're both hiding things. In an effort not to be creepy, Breezy hides all of her Jed West memorabilia and allows him to think she's the only one in her family not wildly into hockey. He, meanwhile, has increasing concerns about his health and the potential impact on his hockey career.

The early humorous moments had me cringing in secondhand embarrassment more often than I preferred, but the characters were generally very likeable and Jed and Breezy's relationship had some nice cute moments. Both of them struggled with family issues, particularly feeling like they were living in a sibling's shadow. I loved that he took her ice skating so that she could try it without her mom's expectations putting pressure on her. Her efforts to find the perfect book for him were nice too, although they didn't inspire quite the same warm fuzzies as the ice skating scene.

This was working fairly well for me until the end. Breezy's plan to set the record straight and apologize to Jed could, and probably should, have backfired - honestly, the way she'd arranged things put him in a pretty awkward position. I was also really annoyed by Breezy's secret goal and the way things worked out there - she wanted to open a children's bookstore, which the author, via Jed, seemed to view as a natural thing for a children's librarian. Never mind that being a children's librarian doesn't necessarily prepare you for owning your own business, or that Breezy would have to take sales and profits into account in addition to the joy of matching kids up with the perfect books.

So, this had some issues. But like I said, the characters were really likeable, and that might be enough to make me give this series another shot.

(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)

I had previously read the other books in this series and quite enjoyed them. I was assuming I would also love this novella and I did like it but it was not as good as the other books in my opinion. I found it to be pleasant but nothing special.

Cute and perfectly pleasant read. It didn't really sway me one way or another to be honest but it was fine.

Funny & sparkling at times, but kind of tanked by unoriginal and contrived conflict. Quick and easy, 2.5, but lost its strength toward the end.½

Inside Out by Lia Riley is the third book in the Off the Map series and final book chronicling Talia and Bran's story. If you haven't read the other books in the series then I highly recommend stop read this and start those books, otherwise you're in for some serious spoilers.

Inside Out starts with Bran in Antarctica working to save the planet and Talia in Africa with the Peace Corp teaching English. They're still together, but unable to communicate often due to where they are. But when Talia gets sick we see them back together and working to figure out what they should do with their futures.

As with the other books in the series, Inside Out was a beautifully written story. Lia Riley writes in such a way that the words are poetic, but at the same time realistic and believably something someone would say or think. Watching both characters deal with the hardships of their lives was also a good story and great way to wrap up the series. This book is pretty evenly split between Bran and Talia's point of view, and it was great to get so much of Bran in this book.

If you've read the rest of this series I don't think you will be disappointed with Inside Out. I think it was my favorite book of the series. If you've read the other books what did you think of this one? Which was your favorite?

Continuing Bran and Natalia's story. Natalia is back in Australia working on her senior thesis. Bran and her have to navigate his family drama.

Continuing Bran and Natalia's story. A traumatic illness sets Natalia back, but Bran won't let her go. Still a lot of OCD and family drama but on Natalia's side this time.

Sweet romance, there families have been fighting for many generations. After an embarrassing moment where Annie thinks Sawyer set her up she blows town not to come back after a divorce. Sawyer is determined to catch her this time, despite his ornery grandmother. Annie has a lot of hangup, being knowns as Kooky Carson.

Rhys is a mountain climber and Auden is a recent journalist graduate. Rhys was in climbing accident the traumatized him, Auden has been shy and timid and goes to the mountains in an effort to change and secure a journalist job. The story is interesting but it also drags.

Natalie has OCD, her sister died, her folks divorced and she's escaping to Australia in hopes she can be better, with a new improved version of herself. Bran has been burned and wants nothing to do with another relationship and yet finds his attraction to Natalie something he can't stop. He's not very nice and she has a lot of problems. The story unfolds slowly, her interactions with her mother are difficult and yet the way Natalie interprets her mothers actions could have been interpreted differently if Natalia was healthier. Many of the characters have issues that need working out, was an ok read but not always a fun read.

Wilder is injured in a fire and loses part of his leg. Quinn fled LA to take care of her father suffering from Alzheimer's. Feel good romance as Quinn's bubbly personality drags Wilder out of a lifetime of guild and self blame.

Another sweet love story, Archer has been a manwhore but is finally tired of that life. Eden is an heiress who finds out on her wedding day it's all a scam to get her money. They meet in Vegas at a diner. Archer's in pursuit trying to prove she's the only woman for him and she's trying to fight insecurities and find herself.

Everland, Georgia may be small town, but the heart that drives this community is as far reaching as the stars in the sky. Lia Riley is a genius. With her catchy titles and her fetching characters she has created something wonderful. A place where people can grow and find happiness. The Corner Of Forever and Always is a candy coated delight. An aphrodisiac that keeps on giving long after the last page has been read.

ARC REVIEW: LAST FIRST KISS BY LIA RILEY  
 
REVIEW: LAST FIRST KISS BY LIA RILEY
 
Release Date:  June 23, 2015
 
My Review
 
Last First Kiss (Brightwater, #1) by Lia RileyMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Last First Kiss by Lia Riley is in a class all it's own. Ms. Riley made an awkward and quirky character like Annie seem almost normal. Annie and Sawyer balancing each other out. He is reliable and steady to her flighty and unsure personality. This is a story about second chances and appreciating the simple things in life. A wonderful and heartwarming read.(www.goodreads.com/review/list/25556913-isha-coleman)
 
Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Last-First-Kiss-Brightwater-Novel-ebook/dp/B00P6U68K0/
 
Barnes and Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/last-first-kiss-lia-riley/1121496801?ean=9780062...
 
Google Play Books:  https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Lia_Riley_Last_First_Kiss?id=E54pBQA...
 
Itunes/Ibooks:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/last-first-kiss/id936835724?mt=11
 
Kobo:  https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/last-first-kiss-5
 

It Happened on Love Street tickles the funny bone, while warming the heart and tempting the senses. Ms. Riley moves to the head of the class with this study in hard life lessons. Pepper's dreams lead her to make a change in her life and setup shop in Everland, Georgia. When her plans fall by the wayside and leave her pride crushed, desperation sets her on a new path. As a frustrated dog walker. Rhett, is the answer to her prayers with his understanding of the canine psyche and his tempting magnetism, that makes her inner bad girl want to break free. Can past hurts and foolish pride, have landed them in the right place, at the right time, for something wonderful?

Does a person ever get over the one that got away? Maisey Yates, Jennifer Ryan and Lia Riley, show the true meaning of love with their theme of second chances and sacrifices in Snowbound at Christmas. My favorite story by far was Close to Perfect by Jennifer Ryan. It embodies what the season is all about. Miracles, faith and forgiveness. Each
contribution brings magic and hope to tempt readers this holiday or any time of year.


Close to Perfect by Jennifer Ryan - Abigail and Dex had discovered something special. Until spite and lies tore them apart. Can a surprise homecoming and a ten year secret, give them the a chance at something new?


Maisey Yates delivers the perfect winter fantasy. To be trapped in a snowstorm with the man of her dreams starts out awkward but ends of being just the gift Mia and Devlin need to set off sparks in Snowed in at Copper Ridge.


Hot Winter's Night by Lia Riley blends mischief and matchmaking with a whole lot of snow to create a scenario that will heat up any winter night.

Wilder is a complicated character. He;s shut himself off like a wounded animal. Quinn is the answer to a prayer. She has her own pain to work through but in Wilder she sees a man who not only needs a friend but love as well. Quinn represents what Wilder never thought to regain his dreams. This is a story of healing. The story is rich with emotion.

Snowbound at Christmas is a group of 3 beautiful, heartfelt stories, which I absolutely loved! Hot Winter's Night by Lia Riley is Goldie (aka Marigold) and Kits story and how they got over their past hurts and manage to try again. Snowed in at Copper Ridge Lodge by Maisey Yates is Mia and Devlin story, about taking risks and hopefulness. But the book that hit me right in the heart was Close to Perfect by Jennifer Ryan, let me tell you about it.

When Dex Manning found himself in trouble with the cops, after an ex-girlfriend lied about him, he was willing to accept the fall, in order to protect Abigail Swain, the mayors daughter and someone that Dex was growing to love. But Abigail wouldn't allow that, even if it means dire consequences from her parents. But neither of them expected for Abigail to be sent away.

But 10 years later Abigail comes home, and changes Dexter life forever, when she brings their daughter with her! But Dex is over the moon to spend with his daughter as well as re-establishing a relationship! Now if her could only keep Abigail safe from the person who is trying to harm her!!

For me, Jennifer Ryan is an amazing romantic suspense author, and it really shines through with Close to Perfect, and that is also what this book is! It's close to perfect!! The only thing that could make it better, would be it the book was longer!

As I said before, the writing and plot is amazing and I absolutely LOVED the characters, Dex and Abigail are so sweet and do full of love! Despite her parents determination to separate them permanently. But the real star of the book is Kelly! Who is SO sassy and who wants Dex to love her so much, you honestly can't help but love her too!

I give Close to Perfect 5 stars.

I kind of felt that this was your typical new adult genre book. I also didn't care much for Talia. I didn't hate her, I just didn't particularly like her either. However, the book's humor is well written. The author doesn't go for the easy joke. Everything is written in a way that requires some thought and I appreciate that! So, this wasn't a bad book. It wasn't a great book either. If you like new adult, you will like this book just fine.

Clearly, we should all be doing yoga...

...because oh boy, does it do wonders for Patch and Margot! ;)

Virgin Territory is a fun, if quick, read. For two books now, Patch has been having temper management issues--especially inconvenient because he's his team's goalie, the one guy who should definitely be able to keep his cool on the ice. His Head Coach suggests private yoga lessons, and soon nothing will be the same--in a good, hot new way....

As fun as it was to read about Patch and Margot getting things om (and was it ever fun!), I do have to say that his major problems were fixed rather quickly and conveniently. I'm not complaining, not really--because once you know the backstory behind his bar brawl you know that Patch definitely didn't deserve the grief he was getting--but the resolution to that problem went from ever-looming to poof! all gone.

He also moved pretty quickly from "saving himself" to why was I saving myself, again? Again, not really complaining--but some more build-up and getting-to-know-you time wouldn't have gone amiss.

All in all Virgin Territory was as entertaining a read as the other series books. If you haven't had a chance to read them yet, there are some mild spoilers to the other characters' HEAs, but Patch's story would also work fine as a standalone.

Rating: 4 stars / B+

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

I. Loved. This. Book!

It feels like a betrayal to say this, but Neve and Tor's story might even top Breezy and Jed's. The enemies-to-lovers element (with a hint of You've Got Mail/The Shop Around the Corner vibes make this one so much fun to read--I can't tell you how many bits I read out loud to Mini Moe #2 (I had a captive audience while reading much of it--she was driving me around for half of the day). And the way Tor interacted with his ten-year-old daughter, Olive? Heart. Melting.

The conflict here was a believable one--a sports reporter and the coach of her favorite hockey team, the guy her editor loves for her to skewer in articles such as "The Five Worst Coaches in the NHL," complicated by the fact that his best friend and the former captain is living with Neve's sister--and for the most part, they handled things like grown-ups, which was nice. There were a few things that I would have liked expanded on (the way their main conflict is resolved literally comes out of the blue--was she working on that prior? Or did it seriously fall into her lap the way it seems in the book?) but overall this was just a really fun read, even if it was sadly lacking in hockey (I don't even want to say why, for fear of a real-life repeat of that nightmare scenario).

Head Coach works just fine as a standalone--even though the hero and heroine of book one ( Mister Hockey ) are in this book a few times, they're usually kissing. (You'll probably be tempted to find out how they got together, though, so I highly recommend reading their book to find out.) The next in the series, Virgin Territory . doesn't come out until March, so you've got plenty of time! ;)

Rating: 4 stars / A-

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Lia Riley’s HEAD COACH is top-shelf. Sports reporter Neve Angel and Hellions’ head coach Tor Gunnar are nemesis. However, a game of air hockey might change it all. This contemporary sports romance is suitable for adult audiences. The story takes place in Colorado.

I looked forward to reading Neve’s and Tor’s story ever since book one, MISTER HOCKEY. The two have an interesting relationship, enemies that are attracted to each other. The plot was clever and believable. There were a lot of interesting twists throughout the story. I liked the wedding aspect of the novel. I love when Neve went dress shopping. Kendall was just what she needed. I thought the traffic app aspect was smart. The moose was entertaining.

Lia Riley does a great job with her character development. Neve is smart and feisty. She has some self-esteem issues. Tor is a good man and father. He is reasonable. He is usually good at reading people. I like that Neve and Tor always respected each other. Both love their jobs and realize that a relationship between the two could cause a conflict of interest.

I like how the story ended. It felt well concluded. Because of the tidbits told about Patrick Donnelly that happened in this book, I cannot wait for book three, VIRGIN TERRITORY, to hear his story. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

A librarian meets--and dates--her hockey crush? Yes, please! :)

This book was so much fun to read. I absolutely loved the beginning, when Breezy first meets Jed and can barely string two words together...and then, OMG, her costume malfunction. Absolutely too funny! Their relationship progresses along nicely, if a bit quickly, though the specter of her stalker-like "Jed closet" is always hovering in the background (and yikes, it's more than a little scary how closely I resemble Breezy's fan persona...funny, but scary. And when she's talking about where she is in her Goodreads challenge for the year? I'm pretty sure we were separated at birth). Still, they're really adorable together. Not to mention H-O-T...

Certain parts of the story (Breezy's mom's turnaround, for one) seem a little bit too easy, but overall I enjoyed this story too much to really mind. I absolutely cannot wait to see what's going to happen with Breezy's sister Neve and Coach Tor in the next book, especially if Jed and Breezy are going to be hanging around... ;)

Rating: 4 stars / A-

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Librarian, Breezy Angel, is stunned when the man of her dreams (and literally in her dreams) walks in as a guest reader at her event. Denver Hellions team captain, Jed West, is the hottest player in the NHL. One thing lead to another and they have an amazing kiss. The only problem is, Jed doesn’t date fans. This story is suitable for adult audiences.

Mister Hockey is an entertaining start to the Hellions Angels series. There are realistic obstacles and occurrences. The plot was witty and believable.

Lia Riley character development was noteworthy. Jed is an interesting individual. He is getting older and understandably concerned about a recent injury that he received in game seven of the Stanley Cup Finals. He has a complicated relationship with his family. I appreciate that he wants to be in a relationship with someone who treats him like a regular person.

Breezy is a likable character. She is funny and sweet. Her visuals are amusing. She feels like she has lived I her sister Neve’s shadow, but still has a good relationship with her. I appreciated Breezy’s insights on her relationship with Jed. It was interesting how she went from fan girl to girlfriend. I could totally understand why she would be embarrassed to admit that she had a crush on Jed. I liked the realization that he is a person like everyone else.

I like how Breezy and Jed met. I also, love that helps her at her house. They are compatible in many thought-provoking ways.

MISTER HOCKEY is a well-written and fun read. The story flows well and is easy to follow. This is the first book that I have read by Lia Riley. I enjoyed her writing style. I plan on following this series. I’m looking forward to Nave Angel’s and Coach Tor’s story next in HEAD COACH expected to be released in November 2017. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.½

I enjoyed this small town romance overall. I have been wanting to read Lia Riley for a while and once I read the description for this book, I knew that I wanted to give this one a try. It was a light-hearted, fun story that went pretty quickly for me. This is the first book in a new series and I just loved the little town of Everland, Georgia.

Pepper has just relocated to Everland for a new job. She shows up for her first day of work and realizes that there is a major problem and she doesn't have the job after all. So now she is in a new town with few funds and no job. When she is offered a job as a dog walker by the town vet who happens to be her next door neighbor, she needs to overcome her fear of dogs quickly and take the position.

Rhett is the local veterinarian. After a previous romantic mishap, he does his best to stay out of local gossip. He helps out the new next door neighbor and is instantly attracted but wants to keep things private. He is very much a part of the local community with his best friend serving as the mayor. Everyone in the town seems to be waiting for cupid to catch Rhett.

I liked Pepper and Rhett. Pepper was pretty tough and was able to make the most of the situation she is in. She does take on more responsibility than she probably should and tries to always make practical decisions. Rhett was such an all around good guy. It would be hard not to like him. Together they had a lot of chemistry and the more they were together the more I liked them as a couple. They really did seem to get closer as the book progressed and by the end of the story, I could really feel their connection.

The book did have a couple of issues. Pepper has a huge fear of dogs at the start of the story. It seemed to take her all of 30 seconds to get over that fear and become a pro dog-walker hanging out at the local dog park. She even adopts a puppy pretty quickly after shedding her fear of dogs. To go from can't stand to be near a dog to must adopt this dog in the span of a few pages seemed crazy. I am sorry it just doesn't work like that.

I also was pulled out of the story several times by some weird phrasing. It seemed like maybe the author was trying to be funny but it felt forced. There were several times that I had to stop and go back over a passage to make sure it really said what I thought it did. I didn't notice this happening as much towards the end of the book but it seemed to happen a lot at the beginning of the story.

I would recommend this book to others. Despite a couple of issues, it was a really fun romantic read. I look forward to future installments in this series.

I received an advance reader edition of this book from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via NetGalley.