Swagger by Liz Lincoln

The description of this book sounded interesting; injured footballer uses his time off to finish up his undergrad degree. While in school, he falls in love with his teacher. And this book lived up to that description, even while avoiding the over-played --- even though they're adults they shouldn't be together because of reasons trope.
When Bree Novak literally runs into her favorite Dragons player, she is flustered. When she finds out he's going to be in her Intro to Physics class, she is absolutely speechless. But Marcus James it not only hot, he's a nice guy and hot for her.
I appreciated the discussion of CTE but it was overplayed. I wish we had had more of a resolutions with Bree's problems with her advisor but this was probably very true to life.
I'm looking forward to reading more books in this series.

Three and half stars
This book comes out September 18
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley

Under Control by Shannon Stacey

Olivia McGovern has a plan for her life and she's going to follow it to a T even if that means that life is all work and no play. But then she gets trapped in an elevator with Derek Gilman. It's not love at first sight by any means but he's not exactly disappointed when he sees her again at a local fundraising group.
Derek is definitely not on Olivia's list. Nor are his two kids and divorced wife who he is somehow still friends with. But she's ready to open herself up to the chance, if only he can do the same.
An okay book  and I think most readers of the series will be happy with this story.

Three stars
This book came out August 28
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley

Good Time Cowboy by Maisey Yates

The first two books in this series introduced Lindy Parker. She owns the local vineyard having gained ownership when her former husband cheated on her. While many townspeople think of her as a gold digger (she grew up on the "wrong" side of town), his sisters have stuck with her. Also sticking with her, at least in one sense, her ex's best friend, Wyatt Dodge.
Wyatt was struck by Lindy's beauty the first time he saw her. But she was his best friend's wife. His former best friend. Now Wyatt and Lindy are trying to work together to boost both their businesses. Too bad Wyatt doesn't actually own the family ranch. Especially bad since his father is holding it over his head. So much going on in his life and now... he and Lindy seem to be getting closer personally.

I think regular Yates readers will be pleased. I was a little disappointed by the book being somewhat repetitive. It could have been about 30 pages less and a pleasurable read.

Three stars
This book came out August 21
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley

Sugar by Lauren Dane

Six years after Gregori and Wren got together, they're finally getting married. Wren was waiting for her career to approach the trajectory of his. Now they're on their way to New York to get married. Except there are storms and they get grounded in Idaho. They decide to road trip it back to Seattle.
A nice story but didn't add much but to the Wren and Gregori story.

Three stars
This novella came out September 10
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley

Why Not Tonight by Susan Mallery

In earlier Happily Inc. books, we met Ronan Mitchell and his brothers. They were a holdover from the Fool's Gold series where we learned that Ronan and his twin... weren't... twins that is. Ronan was, in fact, the offspring of his father's affair with another woman. Since he found out, he's been drawing more and more within himself.
Natlie Kaleta isn't too impressed with his brooding artistic nature. She'd revel in a life where she'd be able to just do her art rather than having to cobble together jobs so that she can do a bit here and there. When she's trapped at his house after a mudslide, she's surprised by his welcoming nature and the time they spend together lets them work to know each other a little more...
Another fine book in the Happily Inc. series. I didn't totally buy Natalie and Ronan's romance but overall a very nice addition to the series.

Three stars
This book comes out September 18
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley

Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren

Josh and Hazel knew each other in college. Well, sort of. She puked on his shoes and he TA'd her anatomy class. She decides that they will be BFFs. But then they lost touch for seven years.

Hazel is trying to stay cool at a party full of teachers that she wants to work with when she announces that Josh has seen her boobs. To the entire party. Luckily, he rolls with it. And so do the teachers (though it doesn't hurt that her best friend (Josh's sister) is one of them and that the sister's husband is the principal).  

Told in alternating first person, this book walks us through the summer and to the end of the year as Josh and Hazel go from friends, to dating buddies, to dating, to love.

It was an okay book. I didn't love the ending and Hazel was a little too "too" for me but I think regular Lauren readers will not be too upset. And on a reread, I really liked this book. Yes, Hazel was still a manic-pixie-dream-girl but she is also really aware of herself and how she moves through life which was really refreshing. 

Three stars (bumped to three and a half on re-read)
This book came out September 4
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley

Impostor's Lure by Carla Neggers

Tamara McDermott is supposed to meet her daughter for her 21st birthday. When Tamara doesn't show, her daughter isn't worried (as a federal prosecutor, she is often absent from family dinners), but Yank, Colin, and Emma are. Trying to find her leads to an increasingly odd puzzle as someone connected to her is found near death and another man has disappeared. Personal bonds are tested beyond all belief in this addition to Sharpe and Donovan.

A sad book (which marks it down for me at this point in my life) but most readers of the series will enjoy it.

Three stars
This book came out August 21
Followed by Rival's Break
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley