Book Review - Reality Blurred by Aven Ellis

Amazon UK

Title: Reality Blurred

Author: Aven Ellis

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self Published

Publication Date: 14th February 2018

Rating: 4 Stars

He lied to her. Fed her the same lines as he did all the other girls. Instead of proposing, he dumped her on national TV. 
Would a romance with a hockey superstar prove just as disastrous—or could it be the greatest love story of her life? 

Cast as America’s reality show sweetheart after being jilted on a dating show, Skye Reeve is ready to stop being a brokenhearted woman by proving she’s more than what the camera portrayed her to be. She’s landed her dream job as a TV lifestyle reporter and promises to work hard to be a success. 

Skye also vows never to be swept up in a fairy tale romance ever again, as she obviously has no clue what real love is.

Being in the same city as Denver Mountain Lions hockey star Maxime Laurent, however, might make this last goal impossible. 
Dealing with ghosts from his own past, the Belgian hockey star is known for keeping his life off the ice private. He’s not sure if outgoing Skye could be a match for him, but he can’t deny his attraction to her.

When the two embark on a romance, will they be able to move forward from the past to let love into their hearts? With no reality blurred, will Skye find real-life love to be what she had been looking for all along?

If you have ever read an Aven Ellis book then you will absolutely love this one, it has all the hallmarks of her regular books:

Sweet girl who thinks something is wrong with her
Gorgeous ice hockey player  who probably has some baggage of his own 
Some great friendships 
A whirlwind romance where the reader falls in love with the hero possibly before the heroine 
A smattering of Ice-Hockey 
Fabulous chemistry between the two leads 
Hints at who may be the next male lead in the next book in the series - in this case I have two men in mind, so look forward to both of their stories. 
No need to have read the previous book in the series as its 
Quick and easy to read
Pure escapism

Well Reality Blurred definitely had all of that and its what as always added to the books charms.  

What I really did love was Skye's story and the commentary on how so called reality tv, is more like reality blurred, with scripts, and nothing being quite as it appeared. I loved the insider knowledge as to how the show she starred in was dealt with, and despite feeling she was a bit naive at the level of press attention, did feel sorry for her at the same time. 

Maxime Laurent is a typical Ellis male lead, I was hooked on him very early on and really enjoyed seeing just how non jockish he is in his personal life. I loved the couple's messages on connectivity, and also really loved the animals featured in this story too. 

IF you have never read an Aven Ellis romance then you are missing out,  this one as I have come to expect from her is incredibly enjoyable and I quite happily lost myself in their relationship. 

Thank you to Aven Ellis for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Squeeze Play by Aven Ellis - Blog Tour

Amazon UK

Title:  Squeeze Play

Author: Aven Ellis

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Self Published

Publication Date: 25th October 2017

Rating: 4 Stars

Full of enthusiasm, recent graduate Hayley Carter is thrilled to be working for a non-profit organization in Washington, DC. Having spent a lot of her life in the background due to family circumstances, Hayley is eager to step up and be heard—and bring much needed change to her new organization. With romance on the shelf, it’s time to focus on herself and new career. Armed with a workbook to help her improve on a personal and professional level, Hayley is ready to become a better version of who she already is. 

But will a baseball player for the Washington Soaring Eagles challenge her thoughts on not only dating, but the person she thinks she needs to be?

Brody Jensen is the new catcher for the professional team in DC. Baseball is everything to Brody and has been his salvation while growing up. Brody wants to make the most of his full-time shot behind the plate. Which means no serious relationships. 

However, when a chance encounter leads him to Hayley, Brody finds himself wanting to know all about the beautiful blonde who has engaged him from the moment he spotted her. Together, they find themselves questioning the ideals they had set for not only relationships, but themselves, too.

When the cherry blossoms bloom in the nation's capital, Cupid puts a squeeze play on Hayley and Brody. Will they be brave enough to love themselves and each other? Will love be called out? Or will their relationship be safe at home?

If you can forgive a football phrase when reviewing a book featuring a baseball player, to me this really was a book of two halves.  The first half was fine, but I was struggling to connect to the characters a bit, so although I was enjoying what I was reading, I just know the author normally does better. 

And then in the second half, well last third (do any sports have thirds?) suddenly everything clicked into place, courtesy of one live sporting fixture where I may have started to understand baseball slightly and from then I was really really interested in Hayley and Brody's story. 

The story had me laughing from the first page and Hayley is  a great character, she is passionate about things she believes in, must have every single kitchen appliance known to mankind, and sometimes has no filter between her head and her mouth!  The initial meeting with Brody was a classic, and will be memorable for a long while. 

Amazingly for me with an Aven Ellis book though I did not bring Brody off the bench and promote him to full blown book boyfriend, I'm not sure why  exactly and even started searching the net for hot baseball guys to try to get a better feel, and ultimately, I'm sorry to say I was missing the central sport of the book being Ice-Hockey. Baseball just doesn't for me have quite the same feel to it...then again I do prefer my sport fast and furious, as opposed to more sedate. 

As I say though my feelings did start to change towards the end of the book, as I got to know not only Brody better but some of his team mates, and I suspect that once I'm more used to Baseball references and players that I will love the next books in the series.  Please note although I seem to be fixated on the sport - no knowledge or interest in sport is needed to enjoy this book, its in bite sized amounts and as Hayley knows nothing about Baseball at the start its really beginner level stuff. 

The book predominately focuses on their relationship, but also their families, and Hayley's work, where I found I was also laughing a lot at her bosses reactions towards anything social media! I found the work she was doing for the non-profit foundation really interesting. 

There are some beautifully romantic moments, I'm just sorry that Brody didn't capture my heart fully. 

Thank you to Aven Ellis for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

About the Author

I live in the Dallas area with my family. I enjoy clipping out recipes I will never get around to trying, working out, and chatting with friends on social media. I’m a hockey nut (Go Stars!) and watch as much as humanly possible. I also love shopping and fashion and admit to being obsessed with whatever the Duchess of Cambridge is wearing. In addition to be obsessed with the Duchess, I’m equally obsessed with any show or cookbook featuring Gordon Ramsay.

Links

Website/Blog - http://avenellis.com/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/@AvenEllis

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AvenEllis1

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7265661.Aven_Ellis

Amazon Page - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Aven-

Ellis/e/B00GHUYO90/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1455968038&sr=1-1

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/avenellis/

Book Review - Playing Defense by Aven Ellis

Amazon UK

Title: Playing Defense

Author: Aven Ellis

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing 

Publication Date: 27th September 2017

Rating: 5 Stars

After a string of bad set-ups and boring dates, Reese Brannon is done with men. She’s focused on her job as a fitness model and blogger. Her life in the city is fun. She’s young. There’s no need to look for a man because she doesn’t want one. Especially when relationships usually end in heartbreak.

Jean-Pierre Rochat—known as JP— is done with women. All this Swiss hockey player has ever wanted is to fall in love, but his relationships never end with a happily ever after. Believing he’s always going to be dealt the friend card, JP is over it. If he’s going to be stuck in the friend zone, he’ll keep things casual for his new endgame.

But will one hot Dallas summer night change everything for Reese and JP?

Because when the two meet again when JP returns for hockey season, Reese finds her attraction to him hasn’t waned since their first meeting. Charming and intelligent, JP is different in all the right ways, but Reese realizes letting him in will make her vulnerable, something that terrifies her. JP never forgot Reese from their initial introduction last winter, and the sparks fly for him even more so the second time. But with Reese, his thoughts are anything but casual . . . 

Can JP and Reese let their guards down to take a chance on love? Or will this simply be a game of playing defense?

JP - You had me at Oreos

As I read the book there was a scene reasonably early into the book which was the one that made me fall head over heels in love with JP the romantic lead. It wasn't the biggest of romantic gestures, but it was so entirely sweet and perfect for Reese that I couldn't help myself. 

For yet again Aven Ellis has written a man who has turned into a delightfully sexy book boyfriend, and its what I love about her books, well that the sense of humour, the romance, the recurring characters in the series, and the way I feel as I read her books! 

This may be the 5th book featuring the Dallas Demons ice-hockey team, but it can easily be read as a standalone. Each book contains a fresh romance, but the previous characters are all present, so those following the series can see what happened after each book ends. 

I was utterly exhausted reading about Reese, as she is a fitness model and has to repeat various exercises over and over while being photographed, and she has a fabulous blog too. Due to her parents divorce, she is scared to fall in love and leave her heart vulnerable, at least until she connects properly with JP. 

JP has been present in a few of the previous Dallas Demons books, and I was starting to wonder if we would ever get a book featuring him,  He is Swiss, and besides being a top hockey player, he has so many hidden qualities that I loved discovering all about him. 

There is pure chemistry between Reese and JP, and I loved every single second of their story, and of Playing Defense. 

Thank you to Aven Ellis for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Book Review - Save the Date by Aven Ellis

Amazon UK

Title: Save the Date

Author: Aven Ellis

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing

Publication Date: 17th May 2017

Rating: 5 Stars

Chicago event planner Collins Brady knows how to make the magic happen for her clients. From elaborate weddings to cute baby showers, Collins knows what to do to make an experience breathtakingly perfect. In her mind, she adds the sparkle that makes everything shine.

If only she had that same sparkle in her personal life. 

While she’s good at her job, her true career dreams lie elsewhere. If she could do anything, it would be to become an equestrian riding instructor. That dream, however, is shelved due to practicality. And that’s not the only thing Collins has shelved. After ending a relationship with her college sweetheart, Collins has taken her heart out of the game, too. She wonders if that magical kind of love can exist. But maybe it’s only a fantasy.

Or is it? All of that changes the night she meets Luca Ballerini, the rookie goalie for the Chicago Buffaloes. Passionate and fiercely determined, Luca has only made time for hockey in his life—until he meets Collins. Her spark hasn’t escaped him, and now Luca wants something other than his hockey career.

But following their dreams and hearts isn’t always easy. Can Collins and Luca find a way to live their dreams with each other? 

Will love get past them? Or will this goalie make a perfect save of Collins’ heart?

What can I say that I haven't already said about a book by Aven Ellis? Save The Date is another highly enjoyable and truly pleasurable stories to read, and I am running out of new ways to try and explain just how much I love these books. 

In Luca Ballerini, the author has created another dream man, and given me yet another book boyfriend. He is wonderful and I was falling for him within the first few minutes of meeting him. He is a dedicated goalie that wants nothing more than to help Collins realise her true working dreams. He is willing to put up with Collins' addiction to Pumpkin Spice, and seems to love every single freckle on her face. He is a just a wonderful man to get to know and I really wish he was real!

Callie is working for her aunts event planning company and a lot of the laughs in the book come from the Momzilla of the wedding she is trying to plan, and also the pregnant mom in a baby shower, whose cravings seem to change by the second! 

It was fabulous meeting back up with Livy, Aubrey, Landon and Beckett from the first two books in the Chicago on Ice story, and seeing how they are progressing. However if you haven't read the others in the series, then don't worry as this can definitely be read as a standalone story.  

I loved how much time and effort Luca puts into being a goalie. I used to play that position in a different sport and can't help but wish I had his instincts, or determination to study to the opposition when I was younger.  Whenever Callie was around her horse, it was clear she was a different person and I was really enjoying the horsey side to this book. 

Save The Date is a easy, fast read that is pure escapism. I devoured it far too fast, as I was enjoying the story that much and I am already wishing I had more books by Aven Ellis to read (but I've read them all so far). 

Thank you so much to Aven Ellis for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Sugar and Ice by Aven Ellis - Fab Firsts

Fab Firsts is my new regular Sunday feature, that is going to be highlighting books that are firsts. When interviewing authors, it will be about their first book, as well as other firsts in their lives. When reviewing books for this feature, there will be a mix of debuts, first books in a series, the first time I read an author, and possibly other firsts depending on what I can think of! 

If you are an author wanting to take part in Fab Firsts then please do email on gilbster at gmail dot com and I'll whizz the questions over to you. 

I hope you enjoy this look at a variety of hopefully fabulous firsts, while making some sort of dent in my review and paperback TBRs which are my current main focus! 

I have picked Sugar and Ice to be my debut book review on Fab Firsts, as it is the first book in a new series, Rinkside in the Rockies. 

Amazon UK

Title: Sugar and Ice

Author: Aven Ellis

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied review copy

Publisher: Self Published

Publication Date: 28th December 2016

Rating: 5 Stars

Josephine Rossi has recovered from a broken heart, but has vowed that she's all about the desserts now as a recipe tester for Bake It! Magazine. Cheesecake never breaks your heart. Unless it cracks on the top, but still, it tastes amazing if you bake it just right. She knows what to do in the kitchen as far as making luscious desserts. Men? Apparently she's not so good at figuring them out, so she refuses to bother. Josephine knows it is safer to stay in the kitchen than to take another chance with her heart.

Denver Mountain Lions forward Cade Callahan is passionate about hockey, but is also about finding love. He thought he had it once, but a disastrous romance last holiday season has him keeping his heart in check. While he’s fearless on the ice, he’s guarded with his heart. Cade is determined history won’t repeat itself again. He won’t let his guard down until he’s certain he’s met The One.

However, Cupid's arrow might just strike when these two least expect it. When an oven goes out, and a cheesecake for testing has to be baked, and Cade just happens to live in the same building with a working oven...Well, things other than cheesecake might just heat up in the kitchen. Can these two passionate people learn to trust their hearts again? Can love override fear for Josephine and Cade? And will they find the combination of sugar and ice is the sweetest one of all?

Part of me wants to just copy and paste all the superlatives from my previous reviews of Aven Ellis book reviews, into one mega gush fest, as I loved Sugar and Ice as much as all the others by this supremely talented author. However that probably wouldn't be fair, but I can't guarantee how original this will be if you have seen my thoughts on previous Aven Ellis titles. 

Sugar and Ice is a warm and cosy romance, which has provided me with a new book boyfriend in Cade. He is so much more than just an ice-hockey player, and its all his other qualities plus his good looks that have drawn both me and Josephine Rossi to him. 

Josephine has a brilliant sounding job, she is a recipe taster, and some of the desert descriptions are to die for. They sound mouth wateringly delicious, and once I googled what funfetti was, I can say that I loved the idea of a funfetti cupcake, even if Josephine's boss wasn't so keen. 

There is a great sense of humour with this story, and the fishing trip will stay with me for a while, although if I was ever in that same situation, my reaction would probably be identical to Josephine's.  The writing is warm and welcoming, and it was great to see two characters who have been burned by love before, try to take things slowly despite the amazing chemistry between them. 

I was slightly surprised there wasn't huge amounts of hockey in this book, but we are introduced to a couple of the other players on the Denver Mountain Lions, who I suspect may feature in future books in this series. 

Cade has a love of the great outdoors, and with a Rockies backdrop, the scenery was breathtakingly gorgeous. From their first proper meeting very early into the story, I was hooked, and despite knowing pretty much what the overall outcome would be, I loved reading about the journey, and the various dates, especially the Halloween party. 

Sugar and Ice is another wonderful romance by Aven Ellis, and it was refreshing for it to be set in a new location with a whole new team of gorgeous hockey players to be introduced to. 

Thank you so much to Aven Ellis for this copy of the book which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - On Thin Ice by Aven Ellis

Amazon UK

Title: On Thin Ice

Author: Aven Ellis

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied copy

Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing

Publication Date: 30th November 2016

Rating: 5 Stars

Holly Johansson knows some things in her life are certain after college graduation: 1.) It’s a long road to becoming a full-time author. 2.) She’ll need to work to pay her bills. 3.) And Dallas Demons superstar Matt Rhinelander will never return her feelings.

Holly knows her unrequited crush on the partying hockey player is ridiculous. There’s no way Matt would be attracted to a woman who prefers watching TV or reading books when he’s known for his frequent bar hops and fast lifestyle. Obviously he would never see her as anything other than his teammate’s little sister.

Yet Holly is drawn to the other side of Matt—the man she knows has always been thoughtful and easy to talk to whenever she’s been alone with him. It is this Matt that fueled the crush Holly has on him. And she knows it will always be just that—a secret crush.

Or will it?

Because when Matt helps Holly through a crisis, her heart begins to believe that there might be feelings on his part, too. After a night of hard partying puts Matt in jeopardy with the Dallas Demons, can Holly be the one to save him? And when Matt admits he sees her as more than Nate Johansson’s sister, will it put them both on thin ice?

One of the things I most look forward to, when starting a new book by Aven Ellis, is the knowledge that I will almost certainly end up with a book boyfriend from the story, as she writes the most loveable male characters. With On Thin Ice, I think it was a new record for me, I was in love with Matt Rhinelander before the end of chapter 3. 

Matt is another of the Dallas Demons ice hockey players, and fans of the series will have seen him mentioned a bit in previous books. If you are new to the Dallas Demons, then rest assured this is definitely a standalone story. For fans though, all your favourite Demons and their girlfriends are present in this story, some in a bigger way than others. 

Matt is just adorable, he manages to put Holly at her ease in an awkward situation, and seems to not mind any of her slight geekier behaviours. They are as different as chalk and cheese, but yet put them in a room together and they seem to bring out the best in each other. 

Holly is a quiet sort, happiest when working on her fantasy novel, and can't believe it when she is being encouraged to spend a bit more time with Matt, her long term crush, even if the circumstances and reasoning behind it are less than honest. This is after they spend a lot of time together on New Years Eve and the relationship between them begins to change right from the beginning. 

I have spent a joyous couple of hours reading On The Ice, its a simply wonderful romance that you know what the overall outcome will most likely be, and as a result you can just relax and read the lovely journey that is discovering just how these two people with get to their HEA. 

Filled with witty banter, a love of socks, a sugar kitty, a social anxiety disorder, a love of planners, very easy to read writing and a romance between two people that is a joy to read about, On The Ice is another winning Dallas Demons book from Aven Ellis. 

Thank you so much to Aven Ellis for this copy of the book that I have reviewed voluntarily and honestly. 

Book Review - Green Tea Latte To Go by Aven Ellis

Amazon UK

Title: Green Tea Latte To Go

Author: Aven Ellis

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied review copy

Publisher: RJM Publishing

Publication Date: 13th September 2016

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Perfect Drink: Green tea latte with coconut milk and raw honey.

Perfect Fashion Icon: The Duchess of Cambridge. Always on point with her fashion, dressing appropriately for every occasion and not afraid to recycle things from her wardrobe, I truly admire her class and style.

Perfect Place: Seattle.

Perfect Activity for Relaxation: Yoga. I’m terrible at it, but I’m determined to perfect downward dog. Someday.

For Seattle blogger Payton James, life is all about trying to achieve perfection. Payton is determined to be her best self in all areas, and she refuses to rest until she achieves it.

However, an imperfect moment in a coffee shop completely changes Payton’s life. When her drink order gets switched by mistake, Payton finds herself face-to-face with a gorgeous British man named Brooks. Payton is instantly attracted to the witty stranger who is quick with his words—and has a beautiful smile.

Brooks is an exotic veterinarian with a huge passion for animals. Heartache in his past has led him to focusing on his career out of fear of getting hurt again. But there’s something about Payton that makes this vet want to know more about the bubbly blogger he has met via fate—and has him reconsidering his stance on love.

But will Brooks ever be free of his fears to truly open his heart? And will Payton’s drive for perfection cost her the one thing she loves most? Or will she learn to embrace imperfections?

And maybe perfect is the one thing Payton doesn’t want after all . . . 

I'm always excited when its time to read a new Aven Ellis, as she is fast becoming one of my must read instantly authors, and having just devoured Green Tea Latte To Go I was completely correct to be excited. It is what Aven does best a gorgeous story, with fantastic characters that is a joy to read. 

It took a while this time but I do at the end of this story have another new book boyfriend, this time its exotic vet Brooks. When you put a handsome man together with various cute animals, my heart can't help but melt at the imagery. He is of course for  a vet an animal lover, and his pig Angus is a a real character, but it was the lionhead rabbit that had me googling to see what unusual breed it is. 

Angus however isn't the only pig in this story, Mr Not Bacon is a star too, and what a great name for a pet pig! He belongs to Courtney who becomes Payton's exclusive concierge customer, which is what she does in addition to her blogging. Mr Not Bacon has a mind of his own, and a predilection for breakfast cereal! 

Payton strives for perfection in her life, each chapter opens with her latest aim for self improvement, however she soons learn that maybe imperfection could be better. 

However Payton's parents are not keen on her current career, and are continually finding fault in everything she does. They are the only characters I wasn't keen on, but I don't think they were meant to be that likeable! 

There are so many moments in this book where you will either find yourself saying "aww how cute" or possibly "that is one amazing man" at various moments. I also laughed out loud a various points too, as some of the antics both human and animal are just that hilarious. 

An incredibly enjoyable story, which shows very closely the slight differences between UK and USA culture and language, as well as having a delectable main man who is utterly brilliant! 

Thank you so much to Aven Ellis for this review copy. This was my honest opinion. 

Guest Post & Giveaway - Olympic Love by Aven Ellis - Booklympics

I’ve always been a HUGE fan of the Olympics. No matter what the sport is, I’ll watch it if it is part of the Olympic Games.  To me there is something so on-the-edge-of-your-seat about the Olympics. 
These athletes train for years, some practically their whole lives, just to have this one moment. I’ve held my breath while watching a gymnast bobble on the balance beam. The excitement of who will touch the wall first on the last lap of a swimming final.  I love when the underdog wins, a superstar is born out of nowhere, and the intense drama when things are in the balance. 

And now viewing is better than ever because nearly everything is televised. Yay! (Yes, I’m already preparing for some low word count days when the Olympics are on, LOL.) If you go to  https://www.olympic.org/ you can pre-prep your Olympic viewing experience. (YES I AM SERIOUS ABOUT MY GAMES PEOPLE.) On my “must see” list for Rio? Equestrian, Cycling, Gymnastics, Track & Field, Swimming and Diving. Oh, and football (which as an American I call soccer) because I will freely admit it, there are some super cute guys playing that sport. 

So my advice for getting the most out of it? Make your must watch list. DVR, DVR, DVR! Grab yourself a home country T-shirt (come on, an excuse to shop is never wrong, right? HA!) Try to watch a few new sports to truly have an Olympic experience. Make some Brazilian food on the night of the Opening Ceremonies.  And definitely keep a scorecard on your favorite outfits during the Opening Ceremonies. We’ll compare them later.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s get ready for Rio!

Thank you so much Aven for explaining just what it is I also love about the Olympics in far better words than I was ever going to manage. I intend to be watching all those sports mentioned, except Soccer as Team GB don't have a team, as well as rowing, canoeing, some sailing, or anything that is being shown live, while waiting for the next session of those sports! And I also can't wait for the opening ceremony later today!

About Aven Ellis

Coffee with cream? Check. Soundtrack for work in progress pulled up on Spotify? Done. Ready to write another romantic comedy with a swoonworthy good guy hero, a heroine you cheer for, and a guaranteed happily ever after? You bet.

Hello, I'm Aven Ellis. I write hockey (and non-hockey) romantic comedies.  I love crafting characters, their words, their heartbreak and triumph, with laughs along the way. There is no bigger compliment to me than having someone tell me they laughed when reading one of my books. I want my books to be easy reading, a beach read, and an escape when you need one. 


In addition to writing, I'm passionate about reality cooking shows, the Duchess of Cambridge, the latest scent from Jo Malone (whatever it is, doesn't matter, I want it) and hockey. Or is that hockey players? Because they're hot.  I live in Dallas with my husband, daughter, and cat. And if it’s hockey season? GO STARS. 

Twitter | Facebook | AvenEllis.com | Aven Ellis on Amazon UK

Giveaway - Win an e-copy of The Aubrey Rules (Open Internationally)

Aven Ellis has generously offered an e-copy of The Aubrey Rules to one lucky winner. 

Giveaway open Internationally, all options are voluntary, but please do what they ask, as I will be verifying the winner. Giveaway closes 23:59 21/8/2016. Winner will be announced on twitter and emailed, and they will need to reply within 7 days, or forfeit the prize, and I will re-draw for a new winner.  Good luck everyone.

Win an e-copy of The Aubrey Rules (Open Internationally)

Book Review - Trivial Pursuits by Aven Ellis

Amazon UK

Title: Trivial Pursuits (Chicago on Ice Book 2)

Author: Aven Ellis

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied review copy

Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing

Publication Date: 20th April 2016

Rating: 5 Stars

Landon Holder is exactly the kind of man Livy Adams should stay far away from. 
The flashy, flirty star defenseman for the Chicago Buffaloes is known for hooking up with women all over Chicago. Livy finds herself attracted to Landy, but his sexy good looks and charm are irrelevant. She had her heart shattered by a cheating athlete in college, and Livy vows she will never let her judgment lapse like that ever again. 

Yet Livy knows she can’t spend the rest of her life focusing on building her jewelry line during the day and her evenings playing TriviaPlayOrPass! on her phone, either. Even though she does have fabulous conversations with a player named Scott, it’s time to get back in the game—in real life. While Livy tries to figure out her career path in jewelry design, she knows it’s time to take a chance on romance again, too. 

But in a strange twist of fate, Livy finds herself getting to know Landy on a much deeper level. Sometimes people aren’t always as they appear to be. Just like a diamond, you have to look closely to see true clarity. 

As Livy unwraps the layers around Landy to see the man behind the image, will she have a change of heart? Can she leave her past behind for a future with Landy? Or is it all a game of trivial pursuits? 

Without fail, Aven Ellis is responsible for the majority of my book boyfriends, to the extent that I feel like I'm cheating on the last one, when I read a new book by her. There is just something about the male leads that get under my skin, from love at first sight. And Landon Holder is no exception, he is a sexy hockey player for the Chicago Buffaloes, but has so many layers under his public womanising persona, that are a pleasure to learn about. 

Livy is the heroine of the story, a jewellery designer and addict of the game TriviaPlayorPass, a trivia quiz app that she has been playing with virtual player Scott921. She chats with him while they play and loves trying to beat him, and sorts of wishes the conversations would turn a bit more personal. 

And then she sees Landon in an unexpected role and as they start to talk, you can tell there is a growing connection between them, 

Trivial Pursuits starts each chapter with a trivia question, which in most cases links well into the chapter its heading. I can't help but think it was a lot of fun to research this book with the trivia, and also  jewellery making techniques.

I love reading a book about soul mates, and its clear early on, even if you have never read a book by this author, that its heading towards a HEA, but I never mind knowing the expected outcome, when the story is as enchanting as this one. 

There is such a likeable cast of characters, including Aubrey from The Aubrey Rules, and there is also a mention of a Dallas Demon, from the author's other series.  Livy's family are quite lively and her nana is a real spitfire, and comes out with really unexpected things. The computer sex scene was hilarious and not what you may be thinking! 

Another unforgettable instance is all mentions of the puppy party, Livy's best friend Collins is organising. Anything involving this party will make your eyes roll, but also amused me greatly. 

Trivial Pursuits is a fantastic addition to Aven Ellis' already brilliant catalogue of books. A delight to read, to fall in love with and a fantastic way to spend part of my Easter holiday. 

Thank you to Aven Ellis for this advance copy. This was my honest opinion. 

Book Review - Breakout by Aven Ellis

Amazon UK

Title: Breakout (A Dallas Demons Hockey Romance)

Author: Aven Ellis

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: ARC supplied by author

Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing

Publication Date: 4th November 2015

Rating: 5 Stars

While Texas is known for loving football, Lexi Stewart has always been drawn to the ice. Hockey is her passion, and she wants nothing more than to pursue a career in video editing for the home network of the Dallas Demons hockey team. 

Lexi has an editing job for a corporate account, but it’s not fulfilling. Nor is her dating life, despite having the so-called help of The One Online Dating Service. Lexi knows there has to be more for her—on both fronts. She’s ready to take the next step, but it doesn't seem like it’s going to happen anytime soon. 

Until a flying puck changes everything. 

Niko Xenakis is the new Dallas Demons TV producer, and he’s looking to make his mark in his new role and hopefully work his way back to his hometown of Baltimore. But once he meets Lexi, he might just change his mind on what he wants for his future . . . 

But the road to love is never easy, complicated by the fact that they both carry emotional baggage from the past in their hearts. Can these two “breakout”of the past to find love in the present? 

This book features everything you could want in a romantic comedy...Love, Romantic gestures, a gorgeous Greek man, humour, Thanksgiving and Christmas & recurring characters! What more could a girl want?

I was sort of tempted to finish the review there, as it really does sum up the book, but that may not be fair! I had another book already loaded and ready to start when Breakout appeared in my inbox, and the second I saw the email I knew I was reading this first. 

I just can not resist an Aven Ellis book, and with good reason, she lets me change book boyfriends every few months as there hasn't yet been a man she has written that I haven't fallen in love with. I will admit in this case, it took me a bit longer than normal to warm to Lexi and Niko, but once I had, I was hooked. 

For fans of the Dallas Demons series, let me assure you we do still see a bit of Harry and Nate, as well as Kenley, Ryan, Cici etc.. So all the loveable characters we already know. If you are new to the series, then this is a stand alone book, anything relevant is explained, but I would still urge you to consider reading the others at some point. 

The first meeting between Lexi and Niko is funny and fabulous, and sets the tone really well for their interactions for the rest of the story. They both have an issue they need to overcome to fully realise they are meant to be with each other, and have similar tastes in everything, including a great depth of "Saved By The Bell" knowledge. 

I loved the descriptions of some of Lexi's novelty pants and t-shirts, and felt they really helped add a different view to her character. Niko and Lexi also both have a very clear love of Ice-hockey and thanks to Niko, Lexi gets a chance at her dream job, although even that isn't without its problems. 

Watch out for the Casino event, where the whole gang are involved in a fantastic plan, I was also pleasantly surprised to see that there were the two big end of year holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas featured in the story, and I loved the Christmassy scenes too (especially at this time of year!). 

I don't think this is my favourite book by Aven, but with them all being so amazing, its hard to chose. I suspect my favourite is The Definition of Icing (purely because of Kenley and all the chocolate, as well as Nate!) but this is still a brilliant story, and Niko is just incredibly romantic. 

Thank you so much to Aven for this advance review copy. This was my honest review. 

Happy publication day to Aven Ellis. Breakout is out now!