“From the moment Cecily Bradshaw had first set eyes on Nash Markham, she disliked him. In truth, she’d disliked him even before that.”
From the very fi“From the moment Cecily Bradshaw had first set eyes on Nash Markham, she disliked him. In truth, she’d disliked him even before that.”
From the very first page, I was intrigued and captivated by Cecily and Nash. With an enemies and attraction vibe, the chemistry is dazzling and the banter is out of this world. Jess Heileman delivers a brilliantly snappy story with luminous characters and a riveting plot, and I couldn’t get enough of this amusing Regency story.
“Do you know what I am certain of?” “What?” “That I would like to kiss you.”
Nash loves to flirt and Cecily wants nothing to do with it, and six years later, the connection is every bit as fictitious. I was delighted by the one-bed trope and the way they skirted it, as well as every other interaction and situation found within these pages, especially the luck.
This is the perfect addition to the Bachelors of Blackstones series.
Content: mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*...more
This sweet second chance romance is just what my heart desired. Tabitha and Spencer are surprised to find themselves co-owners of his deceased grandpaThis sweet second chance romance is just what my heart desired. Tabitha and Spencer are surprised to find themselves co-owners of his deceased grandparents’ diner, and it’s exactly the anchor Tabitha needs in her flighty life. But working together? ...more
“Operation Make Chloe Love Holt Again is underway.”
I’ve been eagerly anticipating this Love Connections series for awhile now and Book One in the seri“Operation Make Chloe Love Holt Again is underway.”
I’ve been eagerly anticipating this Love Connections series for awhile now and Book One in the series, The Risks of Reuniting didn’t disappoint.
Chloe and Holt had a heartbreaking breakup and after a shocking re-meet in an airport on their way to do humanitarian work in Peru, all bets are off. See, Chloe doesn’t fly. And Holt is part Peruvian and never imagined to see her there. Not only do they have a second chance to reconnect, but they each learn things about themselves and the other person that weren’t apparent earlier.
I loved every single thing about this story. I feel like I packed my bags and took a virtual trip and experienced the highlights of Peru along with Chloe, Holt, and their new friends. I especially loved Chloe’s emails home and her group chat with her cousins–each one of them will get a story in this series. She’s sweet, sassy, and all-around lovable. Holt? He’s a dreamy, considerate, FUN-loving guy who goes for what he wants. Their interactions were darling and had that underlying current of chemistry that buzzed with expectancy.
Aspen Hadley has such a fun style of writing–loaded with humor, stuffed with sweetness, full of enjoyable characters and memorable situations. Book your trip with Chloe and Holt–their story is now available.
Content: mild moment of peril/mugging/attack; mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*...more
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. As the final book in the Appies series, it was all I could have“Kissing on the table sounds fun.”
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. As the final book in the Appies series, it was all I could have hoped for, but I AM secretly still holding out hope to get stories for the twins and Dominik.
Naomi is a single mom with a tie to another series who has a summer fling with Camden, an Appie hockey player. A job transfer lands her smack in the middle of his life and with a matchmaking, super precocious 10 year old son, Liam, her life is about to turn upside down. These characters gave me life and I was completely obsessed and addicted.
I was DYING at their re-meet-cute and it was all ice shavings pricking my heart after that. Every interaction is laced with intimate tension that etched carvings on my soul, and left me desperately wishing and hoping for more. Secret car make-outs that lead to horn honking? YES!
This hockey family is everything. Everything! It was pure joy to see everyone rally around this trio. Emma St Clair is a definite favorite and I want to fall apart at the perfectness of this book. I borrowed this one from KU....more
I was immediately captivated by Catherine Michaels’s writing style. The vivid descriptions of Gull Island and its residents brought them to life in myI was immediately captivated by Catherine Michaels’s writing style. The vivid descriptions of Gull Island and its residents brought them to life in my mind and I was swept away by a beautiful second chance romance.
Gull Island is the perfect setting for healing and fresh starts and Kate is there to do both. Luke is intensely protective of his family and small town, but working with Kate allows for their slight enemies-to-love vibe to explore the sparks of attraction. This slow-burn romance is tender and sweet, while their work with a fundraiser and a sea turtle hatching project is invigorating. I would love to experience sea turtles hatching someday and felt like I got a good taste of it in this story.
The growth these characters experience is beautiful–Kate learning to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life and Luke learning to adapt to change. Michaels captures the nostalgia and uncomplicated ways of small town life, the complexities of meshing two different souls together, and the beauty of second chances. I was immersed in this story and enjoyed my time on Gull Island.
“Even if hell froze over, I wouldn’t skate on it with Leo Anderson.”
I’m hooked on the Crushers hockey team and hot-headed Leo’s story was everything I“Even if hell froze over, I wouldn’t skate on it with Leo Anderson.”
I’m hooked on the Crushers hockey team and hot-headed Leo’s story was everything I hoped it would be…and more. His temper has him in trouble and his “punishment” is to work with Victoria, a figure skater without a partner and his former college love.
The way this duo clashed and banter, fighting their simmering attraction, left me with THE CUTTING EDGE vibes, including toe picks, and it filled my heart with all the emotions. There are layers and reasons why they are bitter enemies and their story was told in the most perfect and believable way. As a people pleaser, I could relate to Victoria and it was so much fun to watch her learn to skate to her own beat and to follow her heart. I could also see how and why Leo was so full of anger.
This second chance romance is full of mild angst and all the swoon, and it was such a treat to watch all the pieces fall into place. I love the glimpses of teammates and characters from the series, several as residents of a house.
This author really knows how to write a fun and engaging story and I can’t wait for more in this series.
Content: mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were voluntarily given*...more
I love this Sons of Scandal series so much. Set in the beautiful state of Maine, there are many threads that tie, bind, and connect these characters iI love this Sons of Scandal series so much. Set in the beautiful state of Maine, there are many threads that tie, bind, and connect these characters in multiple ways. This final installment is Max’s story and what an emotional and tender story it is!
Becky Wade does an incredible job of creating intense feelings that ignites intensity between Max and Sloane–two characters who have a solid past together but had a falling out, which creates an almost lopsided enemies-to-love story. The narrators were fabulous and made this story play out like a movie in my mind.
Although this book could potentially stand on its own, I would highly recommend reading this series in order to feel the full effects of the intricate relationships and nuances of this diverse cast of characters.
Max and Sloane are such a complicated and beautiful story and I couldn’t get enough of their interactions, especially as they come to a compromise for the best interest of Ivy, Sloane’s niece. Ivy was the frosting on a marvelously sweet book, but I lived for the deliciousness of resolution.
With such fantastic characters and a solid plot, this is a book not to be missed.
Content: mild Christian elements; mild romance; talk of adoption
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were voluntarily given*...more
“Madison mouths, Be nice. Easy for her to say. Her past did not just come back to haunt her.”
There’s nothing worse than an embarrassing high school cr“Madison mouths, Be nice. Easy for her to say. Her past did not just come back to haunt her.”
There’s nothing worse than an embarrassing high school crush reincarnating in the future, but sometimes a little growth, experience and maturity is just what is needed to stir up these dormant embers and to explore once more.
I’m not wealthy and could relate more to Micah, who is down-to-earth and works hard. He knows people but because his community works together for the better good, whereas Kaitlyn has a golden spoon, yet she’s not the kind of person to flaunt or think she’s better than. She just…is. The combination of these characters is flavorful–sweet, a little spicy, and ultra satisfying.
Now working together on a huge gala, although slightly orchestrated, their connection is much richer and in true Melanie Jacobson fashion, delightfully witty, charming, and oh-so-swoony! I snort-laughed, I swooned, I let out a few dreamy sighs, and wore a permagrin.
In its entirety, this one is a book for the holiday season and for any romance lover and it’s not too late to read, since the culmination is on New Year’s Eve.
Content: mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*...more
(3.5 Stars) This super short and sweet holiday romance was perfect for a Christmas afternoon read. Brenden and Holly were besties in high school and a(3.5 Stars) This super short and sweet holiday romance was perfect for a Christmas afternoon read. Brenden and Holly were besties in high school and an accident forced them apart for years. But now that he’s back in town and they’re both in need of a fake date, they easily fall into a strong like once again.
Because this is short and sweet, the romance is on a very fast track and I could easily envision this developing into more with added detail, but it was the perfect snack-sized story for a busy season/day. The attraction is clear and the strong bond is still present, the characters likable, and all the holiday shenanigans were endearing.
This novella is the author’s debut and it will be fun to see where her writing career takes her....more
Britt and Hunter have the cutest story. The way they meet and connect is adorable, if slightly unconventional, but I loved ever“I’m never letting go.”
Britt and Hunter have the cutest story. The way they meet and connect is adorable, if slightly unconventional, but I loved everything about the way this one blossomed. Although these two are well into life, they each have secrets and insecurities that inhibit relationships and growth.
It was great to read a story that reps social anxiety and addiction recovery, especially as it spans generations, and spills over to show how each can affect families. I thought it was fascinating that while Britt suffers from crippling anxieties, she’s a big-time social media star. There’s also a parallel story with her mom. The threads of hope and second chances weave themselves throughout this story and lend a relatable element to the plot. Don’t we all deserve a chance to prove we’ve made improvements to our lives?
The narrator did a beautiful job of bringing this story to life. I’ve never read a book by this author, but found I really admire her style and completely embraced the whole cast of characters, and will be looking up more of her books.
*I received a complimentary copy through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*...more
Gracie Ruth Mitchell is so good for my heart and soul! I loved everything about this holiday gem and I’m so happy it’s now available for the world!
“I Gracie Ruth Mitchell is so good for my heart and soul! I loved everything about this holiday gem and I’m so happy it’s now available for the world!
“I won’t do whatever you ask just because you’re beautiful.”
Jack and Stella have a past and it didn’t end on great terms. She’s back in town and the meet cute is to die for–almost literally. The zany circumstances these two landed in kept me on my toes and on high alert for all the swoon in unexpected corners and the laughs that resulted. I couldn’t love two characters more, especially Mr “holly jolly hottie.”
It’s so appealing to me when a story peels away character layers while also uncovering multiple facets that lure me deeper and deeper into the tale. A reformed bad boy and a wanna-be popular girl have a chance to rewrite their past connection, adding a fresh and flirty take to it, with a slight enemies vibe, and I was all in for every single second of it!
Quirky, hilarious, and sweet, Five Stolen Rings is an unconventional Christmas romcom that lured me in from the very first chapter.
Content: mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*...more
“I hated to admit the conversation starters weren’t terrible. Because the only thinking I could think of saying was, Holly, I’ve loved you since I was“I hated to admit the conversation starters weren’t terrible. Because the only thinking I could think of saying was, Holly, I’ve loved you since I was ten years old. Somehow, I didn’t think that was going to go over too well, considering she thought I was Satan.”
Every chapter began with a hate note exchange between Brandon and Holly and I loved it. A past incident involving her brother’s best friend and a regretful kiss leaves this couple in the hate zone. There’s nothing that amps up the zings and electricity better than the friction of an enemies vibe, and the undercurrents of attraction give this one all the feels.
There are a lot of individual issues to wade through with this duo and I loved the way Jennifer Peel conveyed every emotion while the growth and development began to thrive. Brandon is all grown up and ready to face the entirety of his heart. Holly is done running and is prepared to overcome her challenges. These two go together like mistletoe and kisses, reindeer and a sleigh, Santa and cookies.
This story tattooed itself onto my heart and I loved every little note and page. Many thanks to the author for the review copy. But wait! Did I buy myself an audio copy? Why, yes, I did. I was fascinated by these narrators–loved their voices and loved the alternating points-of-view with each chapter.
Content: kisses; mild language
*I received a complimentary copy, but also borrowed on KU and bought on audio. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*...more
“I like my neighbors to be less attractive and to at least smell bad. But this one? She’s like sunshine and sugar kisses, and if she flips her hair on“I like my neighbors to be less attractive and to at least smell bad. But this one? She’s like sunshine and sugar kisses, and if she flips her hair one more time…”
Grumpy/sunshine will always have a soft place in my heart. Austin has a potentially career ending injury and is full of cantankerous prickles and when his new neighbor moves in, who is none other than a woman he casually knew in the past, the war is on.
Although Bex is full of sparkling cheer, she’s also sassy and strong. I was highly entertained watching her push Austin’s buttons and find her place in Sweetkiss Creek. The banter that results from the sandpapery friction of these two is so delightful and what results is perfection in every chemistry laden kiss.
Anne Kemp provides a swoony and charming story that is easy to devour in no time at all.
Content: kisses only
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*...more
Dahlia is a therapist recently hired by a police station and Levi is a detective there. I loved the second chance workplace romance that quickly melteDahlia is a therapist recently hired by a police station and Levi is a detective there. I loved the second chance workplace romance that quickly melted into a pile of blurred lines and swoon.
The dual narration delighted me and I was swiftly enchanted by the Carter family and the whole cast of characters. I loved the depth and emotion that was presented, but as usual, it was the alluring romantic interactions that put a zing in my heart.
“This man is oozing with sweetness coming out of his pores.”
First impressions aren’t always everything. When photographer, Willa, first meets hockey s“This man is oozing with sweetness coming out of his pores.”
First impressions aren’t always everything. When photographer, Willa, first meets hockey star, Noah, her career goes up in fiery flames and now that she’s assigned to work with him for a charity ice event, all bets are off. Can this drunken bad boy really be reformed?
Willa has worked so hard to reinstate her career and the way charming Noah worms his way back into her life, proving that he’s changed, is so heartening and sweet. Once again, I was captivated by the cute and quaint small town of Maple Falls. It’s “pumpkin spice and everything nice and all that Hallmark jazz.” and I’m ready to pack my bags and move in. I love how the stories in this series are interconnected, bringing more layers to life with each installment.
Anne Kemp does a wondrous job of transporting the reader to this magical town and creating a lovely love story full of electric swoon and delicious kisses.
Content: mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All thought and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*...more
The one thing I love best about the Coffee Loft series books is how unique and different they are, not only “I always felt like I was playing a role.”
The one thing I love best about the Coffee Loft series books is how unique and different they are, not only in location, but in story lines. Tallulah is back home after a failed relationship to help her sister get a Coffee Loft store up and running. Hogwash, Louisiana isn’t anyone’s claim to fame, but it was genuine of Tallulah to recognize that maybe it’s all her.
Although Tallulah comes across as a diva and constantly displays her wealth and accolades, she’s pretty good at hiding and pretending that things are perfect. Jesse acknowledges his bad boy past, but as the town cop, works hard to move past his past.
This author does a great job of spinning a quirky, almost whimsical tale, full of reconnections, growth, and a slow-burn romance, while making my mouth water with talk of delectable beignets and gourmet tea, specifically a London Fog latte. Don’t forget the dollop of mystery that drizzles over these interesting characters and the frug named Moink.
Content: mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*...more
“I’m still stirring all the minty mentos into my Autumn Diet Coke, waiting for her truth to pop.”
One thing I love about a good fiction is w(4.5 Stars)
“I’m still stirring all the minty mentos into my Autumn Diet Coke, waiting for her truth to pop.”
One thing I love about a good fiction is when my emotions run high and I become very passionate about the characters and situations. I felt sooo much with this book. Autumn and Ezra were high school sweethearts with big plans and when an unpleasant and unexpected event catches Autumn off guard, she tosses their plans into the wind without any explanation.
Ezra has risen from the tumultuous ashes of a terrible homelife to become the most amazing man to walk the streets of small town Love and I just couldn’t understand–HOW could Autumn watch him go? I spent a good chunk of the book so angry at her, yet Ezra is so compassionate, forgiving and still so in love with her, and a beautiful story unfolded to reveal just how amazing he is. It warmed and thawed my vexed heart and I found myself cheering this dynamic couple on.
As expected, Jen Atkinson writes a tale with delectable banter and wit and laced with the swooniest moments. I found myself deeply invested and my heart was pricked with all the feelings. This is a sweet story that will warm anyone’s autumn day.
“I had a feeling that my mostly drama-free life was about to get dramatized in a major way.”
I quickly fell in love with Cash and Sabrina’s story as it“I had a feeling that my mostly drama-free life was about to get dramatized in a major way.”
I quickly fell in love with Cash and Sabrina’s story as it started out with a second meet-cute and the descriptions of the first one had me over the moon with swoon. Cash planted himself back in her life and it’s about to get interesting.
Sabrina is such a fun and capable woman and after being ghosted, no one can blame her for being annoyed, but…who can resist Cash? He’s like all the beloved spy movie heroes wrapped into one adorably sweet and resourceful man. I loved everything about this book, from the elements of suspense to the hilarious interactions to the delicious kisses.
Add this one to your list and you won’t be sorry!
Content: mild language; swoony kisses; mild peril
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were voluntarily given*...more
“Kissing you at our high school graduation was the greatest and worst day of my life.”
Chocovert Bea and her high school crush, Finn, have a re-cute th“Kissing you at our high school graduation was the greatest and worst day of my life.”
Chocovert Bea and her high school crush, Finn, have a re-cute that is all sorts of darling. Amnesia plays a part in this story and I love how it gave Finn a second chance in life to recreate himself. This short and sweet snippet is full of swoon and pizazz. It was so charming to watch Bea try to summon some memories.
This couple is quite the pair and I loved spending an afternoon smiling and reading their story.
Content: talk of amnesia; kissing
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were voluntarily given*...more
“Never once had he contemplated meeting a girl who would inspire such impassioned feelings within his own jaded soul. He had not thought it possible. “Never once had he contemplated meeting a girl who would inspire such impassioned feelings within his own jaded soul. He had not thought it possible. Until Hannah.”
There’s nothing sweeter than a “he falls first story.” In his glacial way, James falls head-over-heels for Hannah against his will, and his spontaneous proposal is met with rejection. Luckily, second chances are in the cards.
Mimi Matthews always pens such beautiful and complex characters and I loved this duo so much. James is the eldest of his siblings and is full of responsibility and stuffiness, while Hannah’s grace, huge heart, and love of animals makes them seem ill-suited to one another. I loved watching them unravel and reveal their real selves. I loved the donkey scene, as well as the kittens.
It was such a pleasure to read another Somerset Story and to be immersed in this setting with this family. Here’s hoping for Jack’s story next!.
Content: mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*...more