Just like Alice never anticipated Charlie Florek, I never anticipated One Golden Summer. You know those special books that transport you to a specificJust like Alice never anticipated Charlie Florek, I never anticipated One Golden Summer. You know those special books that transport you to a specific time and place, speak to all your emotions, evoke memories of times gone by, and hold you spellbound from start to finish? One Golden Summer, for me, is that book. I read it in one day and once I finished all I wanted to do was go back to page one and read it again, only slowly this time, savoring every perfectly placed word designed to elicit laughter, tears, and swoony sighs.
One Golden Summer is beautifully paced, poignantly nostalgic, deeply emotional, fun, humorous, endearing, and all the other adjectives I can think of to describe a golden summer of friendship, family, and romance at the lake. It's a summer of growth, of challenge, of discovering who you are as a person, of opening yourself to vulnerability, to love, of discovering your personal path forward, and perhaps, finding that one special person to walk that path with you. It is my book of the summer.
*Full review at The Romance Dish Blog *ARC received from publisher via NetGalley *Fair and unbiased review...more
I'm a big fan of British cozy mysteries with protagonists of a certain age, quirky villagers, and a twisty (usually murder) mystery to solve. MidsomerI'm a big fan of British cozy mysteries with protagonists of a certain age, quirky villagers, and a twisty (usually murder) mystery to solve. Midsomer Murders marathons have been known to on occasion occupy my entire weekend. That's the same vibe T.A. Williams brings to Murder at the Ponte Vecchio. However, instead of rural England, Dan Armstrong, his British ex-pat P.I. has landed in the culturally, historically, and atmospherically rich Tuscany region in and around Florence, Italy, a setting so vividly depicted it becomes a character in its own right.
I enjoyed the dry British wit of Dan, the joyous enthusiasm of his best canine buddy, Oscar, Italian police officers who may - or may not - be hiding secrets, and an array of intriguingly colorful supporting characters, some of whom bring out unexpected, entertaining facets of Dan's character. The pace is leisurely while also maintaining the strength of the mystery and offering up several possible villains along the way. It took me a while to figure out just who the bad person was.
This is the eleventh book of the Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mystery series and while there were a few times where I felt like I was missing pieces of Dan's past, I was able to thoroughly enjoy this book without having read the previous ten books. If cozy mysteries are your jam, and you enjoy traveling to new places through the pages of a book, give this one a try.
ARC received from publisher via NetGalley Fair and Unbiased opinion Tour Review: Rachel's Random Resources...more
Lisa Hobman takes readers back to the Scottish Highlands for another story at Drumblair Castle, liberally sprinkled with humor and heart. It's been fuLisa Hobman takes readers back to the Scottish Highlands for another story at Drumblair Castle, liberally sprinkled with humor and heart. It's been fun getting to know these characters, catching up with favorites in each new book while meeting new ones along the way.
Esme is such a relatable and engaging character. I enjoyed the way her story unfolded as she moved forward on her journey to independence, both in her personal and professional lives. Her relationships with her parents, Lady Olivia, Judd, her teenage crush all grown up, and her ex all unfolded in an organic and realistic way that only deepened my emotional attachment to her. I was in her corner, cheering her on the entire way.
I adored sweet, supportive Judd but I also liked Zach immensely as well. For a while, I wasn't sure which way the author was going to take Esme romantically but I was very happy with the way it played out. I really appreciated the way both of the men's characters evolved throughout the book and I enjoyed each of their unique relationships with Esme. Only one is destined to be her love, of course, but the other is destined for the type of solid, supportive friendship we should all be fortunate enough to have.
Hobman has a way of pulling me into her stories through her characters as well as the setting. I was ready to hop a plane to Drumblair Castle after reading book one. Each successive book has only intensified that desire. I want to take the tours, picnic in the gardens, hoist a pint at the local pub, and just hang out with all the characters who feel like they've become friends.
While I'm glad I read the books in order, readers new to this series could easily begin with Shooting Stars Over the Highlands without feeling lost or confused.
4.5 stars ARC received from publisher via NetGalley Tour Review: Rachel's Random Resources Fair and unbiased opinion...more
Sabrina Jeffries launches a new series featuring Englishmen returning from France after eleven years held captive. As you might imagine, there are emoSabrina Jeffries launches a new series featuring Englishmen returning from France after eleven years held captive. As you might imagine, there are emotional issues to work through as each hero finds his footing amongst all the changes during their absence.
When Jon left for his grand tour, he was young, arrogant, and carefree. Eleven years later, a much more sober man returns to responsibilities, family obligations, and a debt to repay to the tutor who didn't make it home. When he agreed to find the man's daughter a husband he had no idea what he was in for. I love when a hero's well-laid plans for his heroine are blown to smithereens in an instant.
I adored Tory. In her, Jeffries created a character who had my whole-hearted support, respect, and affection. The banter between her and Jon sparkles. I love her determination, her vulnerability, and her fierce protection of the secret she's keeping. The chemistry between this couple is undeniable and the feelings deepen as Jon struggles with what his heart wants and what his conscience demands.
Jeffries does a good job of introducing the lead characters of the next two books, giving readers a taste of what we're in for without allowing them to outshine the main couple. There's also a mystery that will unfold over the course of the series and an unexpected twist in this book that caught me by surprise. I'm eager to discover how it will all play out over the course of the series.
ARC received from publisher via NetGalley Fair and unbiased opinion...more
Just like William's first two books, this third novel sets a leisurely pace, much like the city in which it's set. A character-driven story, it centerJust like William's first two books, this third novel sets a leisurely pace, much like the city in which it's set. A character-driven story, it centers on reunited childhood friends, Terence and Avila and Avila's twelve-year-old daughter Ebony.
I enjoyed the characters of Ebony and Terence and connected with them fairly quickly. I tried to connect with Avila but, wow, did she make it tough. She is one complicated woman with a whole host of issues to work through. Those issues add emotional depth to the story and to her character growth, which is the most significant of the main characters, but they sure didn't make it easy to root for her during the process.
Anyone who has ever been around a pre-teen girl should appreciate the character of Ebony. Williams checks all the boxes in her crafting of a hormonal girl and her single, stage mama. I like a friends-to-lovers trope and Terence is a very good friend to Avila, but I was a little put off by how strongly - and quickly - Terence pushes things forward romantically between them. Given that these two haven't seen one another in more than ten years, it felt a bit too "insta-love" for me. He does eventually slow down and I ultimately felt good about their relationship but it's one of the stumbling blocks that kept this book from being rated higher. Please keep in mind that these are my thoughts. Other readers may have a totally different reading experience.
My small issues aside, I did enjoy the overall story as well as the growth of the characters though I did not enjoy it as much as the author's first two books.
3.5 stars ARC received from publisher via NetGalley Fair and unbiased review ...more
Brenda Jackson has written 150 books, hitting both the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller lists in the process. Spilling the Tea, in my opinion, Brenda Jackson has written 150 books, hitting both the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller lists in the process. Spilling the Tea, in my opinion, is one of her best and one of my all-time Jackson favorites.
Jackson has a way of luring readers into her stories with intriguing characters, relatable circumstances, and emotional engagement. In this book, she offers up two couples for the price of one. I connected with Zoey and Chance almost immediately but I was equally connected to the earlier couple whose ill-fated romance set off scandalous shock waves that rocked two families, a scandal unknown to all present-day characters with the exception of Mama Laverne and one of her sons.
Jackson seamlessly interweaves the two stories together using flashbacks of the past with unfolding events of the present and the unlikely twists that bond the two together. The end result is an emotional dual-timeline story with strong family dynamics, heart-wrenching emotion, sensual romance, closely-held secrets, and another Madaris HEA.
Fans of Jackson's Madaris family will no doubt enjoy the many cameos in this book by beloved characters (now the older generations) from earlier books while those readers new to this universe should have no issues jumping in here. Spilling the Tea stands beautifully on its own. ...more
I'm enjoying this new trilogy from Vanessa Riley that showcases diverse characters of color in Regency London. Riley's books are always rich in historI'm enjoying this new trilogy from Vanessa Riley that showcases diverse characters of color in Regency London. Riley's books are always rich in historical detail while also featuring well-developed characters who bring the time and place to life on the page.
While the battle between the Duke and Katherine continues to play out in the background of this second book, it's time for third sister, Scarlett to take center stage. I'm always up for a woman of science in historical romance who has the courage to defy the norm in pursuit of education. Scarlett is one such character and I was with her every step of her journey. She has a true calling, as well as an honorable heart, and a willingness to do whatever it takes in her quest to help others.
It took me a while to settle into Stephen as the right man for Scarlett. There's plenty of simmering chemistry in their squabbles and banter but he's as reluctant to accept her non-traditional brilliance as he is the fact that the young girl he first met is now a grown woman. He's a planner, some might say a slow plodder, with a burning need for acceptance from his community. But he grows as the story unfolds and by the end, I was rooting him on in his quest for Scarlett's heart.
Riley's books are not fast-paced. They evolve gradually, taking readers on a journey with occasional side trips, as one might experience in real life, with secondary characters - and storylines - only adding to the rich texture of the whole. While Scarlett and Stephen are the featured couple in A Wager at Midnight, I found myself drawn over and over to the Duke and the complications in his life that are at the core of this trilogy and his relationships with the Wilcox sisters. I am literally bouncing with eagerness to discover how his story will evolve when he and Katherine finally step into the romantic spotlight. A scene at the end of A Wager at Midnight leads me to believe it will not be an easy journey for either of them.
While some books within a trilogy can be enjoyed as a standalone, I do not recommend that with this one. For maximum enjoyment and complete understanding of these characters and their relationships, I strongly encourage readers to begin with A Gamble at Sunset, followed by A Wager at Midnight.
4.5 stars ARC received from publisher via NetGalley Fair and unbiased review ...more
My summer reading list would not be complete without a new novel by Sarah Morgan. This talented storyteller never fails to take me on a heart-tugging My summer reading list would not be complete without a new novel by Sarah Morgan. This talented storyteller never fails to take me on a heart-tugging journey with complex characters and complicated relationships.
One of the relationship types Morgan seems to enjoy exploring - and does so skillfully in this book - is friendship. It's a topic to which most of us can relate. I enjoy how she peels back the layers of the friendship between Milly and Nicole, exposing the nuances of the stretched but not completely broken bond between the two women, revealing the reasons behind their estrangement, and then inviting us along the slow, sometimes painful, but ultimately joyful journey to reconciliation. Sometimes, it's those personal potholes in life that, once repaired, forge a stronger, more durable future. It's a story facet that Morgan crafts exceptionally well.
The secondary cast surrounding Milly and Nicole provide texture that only enrichens the overall story. Milly's grandmother (who has some of the best - and funniest - lines in the book), along with her mother (who has her own personal journey), and her daughter are well developed and intriguing characters in their own right. Two men (I love them both) offer respect, understanding, and hopeful possibilities to Milly and Nicole. Even Milly's ex has a realistic redemption (she's still better off without him).
If you're looking for a hopeful and heartfelt story about two women, the ties that bind them, the secrets that have kept them apart, and the summer that brings them back together, pick up a copy of Sarah Morgan's Other People's Summers. I highly recommend it.
ARC received from publisher via NetGalley Fair and unbiased opinion ...more
A Summer to Start Over launches Sera Taíno's Finding Love in Soledad Bay series with a Latinx, multi-cultural contemporary romance that kept me entertA Summer to Start Over launches Sera Taíno's Finding Love in Soledad Bay series with a Latinx, multi-cultural contemporary romance that kept me entertained from start to finish.
Taíno knows how to immerse readers in a setting. This time, it's the upper Gulf coast of Florida, in a culturally diverse small town recovering from a hurricane. The breath-stealing sunsets, drool-inducing aromas emanating from Greek, Puerto Rican, and Venezuelan kitchens, abundant fishing, fresh Gulf breezes, and Spanish sprinkled throughout give the story authenticity that had me feeling as though I was an actual guest at Indya's family's resort.
I appreciated the layers of both Santi and Indya. These two have some emotional baggage to deal with along with a relationship dynamic that's gender flipped from what I usually see (she's the boss, he's her facilities manager). The complications of their evolving relationship, not only because of past emotional wounds but also with current family dynamics and life obstacles make them seem realistic and relatable. It made me like them and pull for them even more. I also loved the instant chemistry but slow-burn romance between them, especially those boat scenes. ;-)
The supporting cast is vividly depicted, offering up humor, conflict, friendship, support, and a look into issues many immigrants currently face. I'm hoping we'll see more of them, especially Indya's two best friends, in books to come. ...more
This is the book I didn't know I needed but am overjoyed that I found. Filled with laugh-out-loud humor and overflowing with heart, it gave me that "IThis is the book I didn't know I needed but am overjoyed that I found. Filled with laugh-out-loud humor and overflowing with heart, it gave me that "I love this book so much I'm going to read it five times then place it front and center on my keeper shelf so I can revisit it every time I need a warm book hug" kind of feeling. Okay, so I haven't actually read it five times. I've only read it three. So far.
If you've seen Sandra Bullock's hilarious movie, The Lost City (and if you haven't, that's something you should correct immediately), this book is going to give you the same kind of vibe, though without the maniacal kidnapper and life-or-death chase through the jungle. Set primarily in the Yukon (and an assortment of book tour cities), this story has its fair share of adventure (there be bears) and comedic fish-out-of-water situations (for Chris) but also endearing moments and emotional depth. And it has Tika: best caring, protective, judgmental dog ever. And Sakura: best caring, protective, efficient, judgmental publicist ever.
Daphne's experiences with the publication of her book (women in all professions should be able to relate) and all that entails when its post-publication popularity skyrockets is a dilemma many people-shy people face. I enjoyed watching her gradual evolution during the course of the book and how she learns to handle that. I really loved this character and was cheering her on the entire way.
Then there's Chris, a delicious, good-hearted, cinnamon roll of a hero (he bakes brownies) who learns important lessons as well. His evolution journey is hilarious in some places and hopelessly male in others (why did he think that was the right thing to do?!?), but overall so endearing that I couldn't help but fall in love with him too. And he and Daphne together? So meant to be.
Armstrong also offers readers a clear-eyed look behind the curtains of the publishing industry in this book in ways that are enlightening, humorous, and, at times, incredibly frustrating. As a book blogger, I especially appreciated the revolving door of publicists.
If you're looking for a book that will tickle your funny bone, warm your heart, and have you begging Kelley Armstrong to write more books in the rom-com genre (I'm begging!), I recommend adding Finding Mr. Write to your summer reading list. It's a gem. ...more
Holloway and Scott hit it out of the park again with this second heart-tugging book in their Destin Diaries series. Liberally sprinkled with emotion, Holloway and Scott hit it out of the park again with this second heart-tugging book in their Destin Diaries series. Liberally sprinkled with emotion, humor, family dynamics, a bit of romance, and an overlying mystery, the continuing journeys of these intriguing and relatable characters drew me in and held me willingly captive. They feel like friends. I already have an emotional attachment to all of them and am eager to discover what awaits them in future books.
As with other series from these two authors, for full enjoyment and a more complete understanding of the characters, I strongly recommend beginning with the first book in the series and reading the remaining in order....more