Nicole McLaughlin

Maybe For You by Nicole McLaughlin
Whiskey and Weddings #3

Alexis “Alex” Parker had her future in front of her. She and Nate would spend their last year in the military in Italy as a married couple but…that did not happen. Instead, before the wedding took place Nate died and Alex headed off to Italy alone. During that year while she was in Italy she messaged time and again with her brother’s friend Jake. Jake listened and was there for her and the two became friends. Sure, Jake is show more known as a playboy who will never settle down but on the other hand Alex is not sure she ever wants to put her heart on the line again either.

When Alex comes home she is met by Jake at the airport, he takes her to see her brother and that is that…right? Well, Alex is a bit bored with time on her hands till her new job begins in a few months so she asks to go on tour with Jake…a tour that will promote the whiskey Stag distillery produces. Many venues will be visited, many people will be met and much time on the road will be spent…time that sees Alexis and Jake talking and sharing and caring in new ways. But, as Alex is leaving and Jake is a playboy what happens on the road stays a secret of the road…right? Well, perhaps not. No matter how careful one is sometimes secrets are exposed in a rather surprising way.

This is a friends to lovers genre story with HEA for the couple that left me wondering if the two ever do marry but even if they don’t they end up together and seem to have a good relationship once Alex is willing to open her heart to love again. It felt realistic and possible and true for the most part although I am not sure how close one would be to the family of one’s deceased fiancé in the long run.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4.5 Stars show less

Only With You by Nicole Laughlin

First, be assured it’s a gorgeous contemporary romance.
But dealing with the after effects of sexual abuse can be heartbreaking.
The hero here, Aiden, is so heartbreakingly hurt. Beyond the full range of issues, he thinks he doesn’t deserve her. “Him wanting her like he’d never wanted anything in his life, and yet still too terrified to do anything about it.” A quote from the book sums up the situation yet that’s not going to work for Hannah. show more She’ll be strong enough to help him deal with whatever is needed even though it’s so difficult. But he needs to trust her and open himself up.
An emotional few scenes such as meeting his mother for the first time in many years made this book deeply touching.

The truest part is the non-immediate resolution yet that also makes me love this romance so much more. I know this couple will work together through good and bad for the long term happily ever after.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. show less

Only With You by Nicole McLauglin
Man Enough #4

Hannah Walters started out, in my mind, as the wicked selfish sister who kept her sister Becca and Jase apart for way too long. However, as I read THIS book I found that there are always two sides to every story and was happy to find out that Hannah is indeed someone worth caring and rooting for while hoping she can find her way to a HEA with Aiden. Aiden has HUGE issues to contend with and has pretty much cut himself off from intimacy. His show more reasons are rooted in immutable facts of his past and though he can compartmentalize while working in his bar, interacting with others, sighting down the rifle scope as a sniper or spending time with friends there is one aspect of intimacy that eludes him even though he would love to experience it with Hannah. The two would probably not even have had a chance at a HEA if Hannah hadn’t persevered but thankfully she did and Aide and she do have a shot together as a result of her (and his) efforts.

I am sorry to see this series end but wonder if perhaps there are more stories to be told about the people that are supporting character in some of the books in this series?

NOTE: This is not an easy read. There are triggers for those that have experienced abuse. There is also information I found interesting about just how many men may have experienced it in their early formative years.

Thank you to NetGalley and Swerve for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4 – 5 Stars show less

When I was offered this book, I thought, I don’t want to read that! I am not drawn to covers like this. I know, I know! I am not supposed to judge a book by its cover. Needless to say, I am very glad I read this. It was the perfect travel companion. I read it on the airplane to NYC. It kept me entertained and captivated.

Hannah is a cute, young lady with a lot going for her. Except love! She has decided she wants the fairy tale, so to speak. She just never expected it to come from Aiden. show more Aiden is the strong, silent type. He has adored her from afar for a long time. Hannah has a close relationship with Aiden’s best friend. He truly did not want to get in the way.

Aiden’s grandmother passes away and this leads him to question some of his past. He and Hannah take off on a journey which leads to answers and to love!

I enjoyed the connection between Hannah and Aiden. These two work so well together. It takes a while, but they heat up the pages nicely. I mean who can resist Aiden! Ooooolala!

I received this novel from the publisher and Netgalley. show less