Spring Fling is a charming, humorous, heartfelt, second-chance, friends-to-lovers story that kept me happily engaged from beginning to end.
Full revieSpring Fling is a charming, humorous, heartfelt, second-chance, friends-to-lovers story that kept me happily engaged from beginning to end.
Full review to come.
Note: If you read an ARC of Spring Fling (as I did), you may have had concerns about a reference to Mylie's sister's boyfriend at the end of the story (again, as I did). I'm happy to report that has been changed in the final, published copy of the book and is no longer an issue.
ARC received from Avon Books via NetGalley Fair and unbiased review...more
This one was filled with elements I enjoy in a good romantic suspense story: danger, mystery, single mom on the run, adorably precocious five-year-oldThis one was filled with elements I enjoy in a good romantic suspense story: danger, mystery, single mom on the run, adorably precocious five-year-old, second-chance romance, big loving protective family, and twists and turns aplenty. Granted, I figured out the mystery elements in advance of the reveals but that didn't keep me from eagerly turning pages to discover how it would all play out in the end.
I finished this one at 1:30 AM (way past my bedtime). The characters flat out refused to let me set them aside until they were safe and settled. I am hoping Lokken has more stories planned for Rafe's family. I'm totally invested. ...more
Maisey Yates launches her new series with an enemies-to-lovers, good-girl-bad-boy romance that had me happily turning pages from start to finish.
I've Maisey Yates launches her new series with an enemies-to-lovers, good-girl-bad-boy romance that had me happily turning pages from start to finish.
I've always found it hard to resist a fictional bad boy. Make him a bad boy with a well-used library card, a burning desire to uncover the truth about his much-maligned ancestor, and write a book about it? Oh, and for bonus points, give him a soft spot for the good-girl librarian? It's safe to say that the present day Austin Wilder has me well and truly hooked.
And then there's prim and proper Millie Talbot, the quiet librarian who has never quite been able to reach the high standards set by her family...or the town. It's so much fun to watch Millie fall for Austin as she slowly embraces her own dreams and desires (a little spice in the stacks, anyone?) and comes to grips with uncovered truths about her family while also battling her nemesis and her ex to resurrect the town's Gold Rush Days.
Rustler Mountain shows that perception is not always the truth. Yates has created a small town filled with intriguing characters, plenty of complications, and a revered claim to fame that revolves around one particular historical event that two generations later still colors how the present-day descendants are viewed. But what if those plaques at the town limits and the widely attended Gold Rush Days got it wrong?
I am all in for Maisey Yates' Rustler Mountain and already looking forward to book two, Outlaw Lake, a friends-to-lovers story that I can't wait to get my hands on. Bring on the Wilders!
4.5 stars
ARC received from Kensington via NetGalley Fair and unbiased review...more
It's always fun when the tables are turned and an overly-protective older brother finds his own heart on the line. I've been eagerly waiting for JannaIt's always fun when the tables are turned and an overly-protective older brother finds his own heart on the line. I've been eagerly waiting for Janna MacGregor's Duke of Pelham's story and am happy to say it did not disappoint. Childhood sweethearts-to-enemies-to lovers-to-happily-ever-after for the win!
I loved the chemistry between Grace and Dane (Pelham) but also the conflict. There's a lot of emotional baggage to work through between these two, not only within their own relationship but due to outside forces as well. I loved Grace's strength and determination but also her vulnerability. Dane, for all his posturing, is just a big softie when it comes to his family. I loved the two of them together even though it takes a bit of time for them to get out of their own way and realize they're fine on their own but even better together.
Family is also at the heart of this story, in both good and bad ways. MacGregor does a fine job of weaving them into Dane and Grace's romantic journey, including humorous meddling on the part of Dane's sisters and their husbands as well as layering the emotional aspects of Grace's evolution due to the actions of her family.
This is the third book of a trilogy but stands well on its own. However, I enthusiastically recommend all three books.
Danger, adventure, conspiracy, romance, and hilarious dust bunnies all in the capable hands of Jayne Ann Krentz writing as Jayne Castle. Does it get aDanger, adventure, conspiracy, romance, and hilarious dust bunnies all in the capable hands of Jayne Ann Krentz writing as Jayne Castle. Does it get any better than that? I read this in one day and as soon as I turned the final page all I wanted to do was go back to page one and read it all over again. Castle, Harmony, a terrific main couple, and the always-entertaining dust bunnies never let me down.
PSA: Do not read Chapter 52 while eating or drinking. Hilarious!
Do yourself a favor and preorder It Takes a Psychic now so you don't miss out when it releases in June 2025. Full review closer to publication date. In the meantime, if you haven't read Leona's sister's story in People in Glass Houses, I highly recommend that one as well. You don't have to read the two books in order but I enjoyed them more for having done so.
ARC received from publisher via NetGalley Fair and unbiased review...more
Two women. Two periods of time. Both facing danger and difficult decisions. Bound together by a mysterious talisman entrusted to their keeping.
It tooTwo women. Two periods of time. Both facing danger and difficult decisions. Bound together by a mysterious talisman entrusted to their keeping.
It took but a few pages to pull me into this book. Nicola Cornick used historical facts, a superbly detailed sense of place, intriguing characters, and life or death events to immerse me into 18th century Northumberland and the lives of Dorothy Forster, those who supported her, and those who meant to use her for their own gains. I was immediately invested in this woman and eager to discover the entirety of what actually happened to her all those years ago.
Equally compelling is the present-day character of Hannah Armstrong. Growing up in Bamburgh Hall, the very same home in which Dorothy lived, Hannah has always been fascinated with this historical character. A writer, Hannah has been contracted to write a biography about another historical woman in the area but she keeps being pulled back to Dorothy. As the stories of both Dorothy and Hannah unfold in alternating chapters of this book, it begins to become evident that they have more in common than Hannah would ever have guessed and that just as Dorothy faced peril at the hands of those closest to her, so too may Hannah.
Cornick brought these characters, events, and places to life in vivid detail that immersed me into their worlds and kept me there until the final page. The secrets of the rose are slowly unveiled as the story progresses, bringing with them a touch of magic that transcends the centuries. The romantic elements also are slowly developed organically and believably, allowing friendship and love to grow at its own pace. The danger in both centuries kept me glued to the pages, fearing for those in whom I was already invested while trying to guess which characters - in both eras - are friend or foe. And, the hall, the castle, the village, and the shoreline of this corner of England have me itching to book a trip and go exploring.
I enthusiastically recommend The Secrets of the Rose by Nicola Cornick. It ticked all of my happy reading boxes.
ARC received from publisher. Fair and unbiased review. ...more
Annie Rains is an author who never fails to give me an emotional, hopeful reading experience. In this new women's fiction novel, she shows that sometiAnnie Rains is an author who never fails to give me an emotional, hopeful reading experience. In this new women's fiction novel, she shows that sometimes you really can go home again and sometimes, it's the best thing you can do. Summer in a Bottle is a heartfelt journey of growth, friendship, self-discovery, a touch of magical realism, and a second chance to claim the love that was always meant to be. It's a warm hug of a book I found hard to put down.
ARC received from publisher via NetGalley. Fair and unbiased review. ...more
What a fun book! If you're looking for a story that will have you grinning from beginning to end, the adventures of berserker Beth and nerdy Stephen aWhat a fun book! If you're looking for a story that will have you grinning from beginning to end, the adventures of berserker Beth and nerdy Stephen are what you need. My favorite Wild Wynchesters story so far. And that's saying something.
I wasn't sure what to expect from Elizabeth in this book. We've always known that she's a bold warrior who leads with her sword but we discover in this story that there's much more to her than her battle skills and bloodthirsty nature. She's actually a very complex woman who lives with chronic pain and the challenges that can bring in both activities and relationships. I loved getting to know her better through her interactions with Stephen, the last man she would have chosen for herself but the very best match possible. I loved these two together. The banter. The battle of wits. The attraction. The care, respect, and admiration that Stephen holds for Elizabeth exactly as she is.
When a neighbor with delusions of grandeur lays siege to the castle, requiring Elizabeth and Stephen to merge their skill sets, that's when the fun really begins. So many laugh-out-loud moments. So many hilarious scenes and lines of dialogue. Ridley really outdid herself with the humor in this one. But with all the fun and humor of this adventurous romp, there is also a satisfying balance of emotional depth and tender feelings. Along with, of course, the feel-good bonds of chosen family that come with the Wynchester siblings, romantic partners, and unique pets, all dedicated to delivering justice for the underdogs of the time.
There's so much more I could say about this book but all the deliciously delightful bits really deserve to be discovered by each reader as they navigate the journey of a Hot Earl Summer. This one is going straight to my comfort read keeper shelf where I will no doubt revisit it whenever I feel the need for a mood boost.
For those of you who have not yet discovered Erica Ridley's Wild Wynchesters, Hot Earl Summer is the fifth book in the series. It's fun to catch up with all of the siblings in each book but you can absolutely jump in at any place in the series and not feel lost or confused. Having said that, I enthusiastically recommend all five of the titles for a rollicking good reading time. ...more
This was my second Chandra Blumberg novel and I loved it even more than the first, which I liked a lot. First of all, I love STEM romances. It's inspiThis was my second Chandra Blumberg novel and I loved it even more than the first, which I liked a lot. First of all, I love STEM romances. It's inspiring to follow characters with a love of science, making their way in the world. In this case, both halves of the main couple are marine biologists with a special interest in sharks. Now, I'm not the biggest fan of sharks but I have to hand it to Hope. She convinced me to give these fascinating creatures a closer look. Okay, not literally. You won't find me in any shark cages or diving with them but from a safe distance - like on land - maybe they deserve a bit more research.
I also love a second-chance romance so, of course, I was already predisposed to like this book but Blumberg crafted a story that I didn't want to put down. I became so invested in these characters, in their work, their lives, their happiness. I loved the emotional growth of both Hope and Adrian. There were issues from the end of their previous relationship that had never been addressed so, of course, I wanted to see that happen...and it did. Blumberg gave them each the opportunity to evolve individually which then opened up the chance to evolve as a couple.
If you enjoy STEM romances with forced proximity (what could be closer than a summer on a boat), cinnamon roll heroes (Adrian is so delicious but also so nerdy - I fell hard for this guy), heroines with walls around their hearts (remember that emotional growth I talked about), second-chance, closed-door romance, and happy endings (both personally and professionally), add Second Tide's the Charm to your summer reading list and prepare to be thoroughly charmed, just like I was. ...more
I began reading Miller's McKettrick books more than twenty years ago. I loved the historical romances but it's been a while since I checked in with thI began reading Miller's McKettrick books more than twenty years ago. I loved the historical romances but it's been a while since I checked in with this family so I decided to give Miller's newest, Where the Creek Bends, a try. I was not disappointed.
This story is an enjoyable blend of women's fiction, sweet contemporary romance, and time-slip fiction. It's poignant, complex, and heart-tugging with well-placed bits of humor to prevent it from tilting too heavily to the angsty side though there is plenty of emotion.
I enjoyed the time-slip facet of the book with the author telling the inter-connected dual timeline stories of Bliss and Madison. I was surprised - but pleased - by the direction that part of the story took.
I was in Liam's and Madison's corner from the moment she charged into his saloon in a wedding dress. They were both so likeable, so deserving of a happily ever after, and carrying so much emotional baggage. I liked that Miller gave them time to work through their individual issues while getting to know one another.
My heart hurt so much for Liam and his children. I just wanted to hug them all; they had so much grief, anger, confusion, and forgiveness to work through. I was pleased that they were given the time and tools to make strides in a realistic way. No easy fixes.
Though the book ended on a hopeful note, I would have liked an ending that wasn't quite so abrupt. Maybe an epilogue. Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and am hoping Miller has plans to return to Montana for more McKettrick stories. And I wouldn't be at all disappointed if we got to catch up with Liam, Madison, and the kids along the way.
ARC received from publisher via NetGalley Fair and unbiased review...more
Spiral is my first book by this author but the hockey-ballet romance angle had me eager to dive in. I hadn't clued in to the fact that the main characSpiral is my first book by this author but the hockey-ballet romance angle had me eager to dive in. I hadn't clued in to the fact that the main characters are early twenties until I started reading. I admit, I tend to lean more toward older couples so it took me a bit to settle into this story but once I did, it proved to be an enjoyable read that took me on a satisfying journey...and brought back a few memories of how it felt to be newly out of college and beginning my adult life.
Sage and Elias are good together. I really like the way they support one another, especially the way Elias supports and encourages Sage's professional dreams as well as her individual worth. Their banter sparkles and their chemistry is on pointe (pun intended). I enjoyed the caring friendship that develops between them during their fake dating that provides a solid foundation leading into their slow-burn romance. There are times when they seem very young but also others when they feel older than their years. Life has thrown some wrenches at them that have given them more depth than usually found at their age yet they also feel like they're still figuring things out. It makes them feel authentic and relatable.
I appreciated the epilogue that takes readers a few years into the future, giving us a look at the growth of the main characters as well as their relationship.
If you enjoy New Adult romance with snappy banter, complex family situations, friend groups, endearing romance, and an added bonus of hockey and ballet, you may want to give this one a try.
ARC received from publisher via NetGalley. Fair and unbiased review. ...more
Adriana Herrera saved the best for last. A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke, book three in Herrera's Las Leonas trilogy, is a steamy, compelling, endearinAdriana Herrera saved the best for last. A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke, book three in Herrera's Las Leonas trilogy, is a steamy, compelling, endearing, action-packed, story that I did not want to put down. A Caribbean woman in Paris, fighting for her independence and right to care for other women. A Caribbean man determined to avenge his father and honor his mother's memory by claiming his rightful place in the peerage (fiery Black duke for the win). Adversaries to lovers. Danger around every corner. Found family of the heart. Hard-won happily ever after. This book has everything I love...and then some. If you have yet to discover the excellence of Adriana Herrera, this is a great place to start. ...more
This was a good story set in a different era from what I typically read. It's 1950's Oklahoma (which I still have trouble thinking of as "historical")This was a good story set in a different era from what I typically read. It's 1950's Oklahoma (which I still have trouble thinking of as "historical") where there's a clear divide between rich and poor, black and white, the town elite and those who serve them. And then there's Bailey Dowery, a Black dressmaker who finds herself somewhere in between. An employee of a white business owner, Bailey is in demand for her fashion skills as well as her psychic skills while clearly not someone who would be welcomed into any of the white women's homes. And yet she finds herself in an alliance, a friendship of sorts, with the white daughter of one of the most powerful families in town, a relationship that won't go down easy for either side. Add in a murder, secret relationships, betrayals, complex family dynamics, and Bailey's "second sight" and this story turns into a compelling drama that kept me flipping pages right up until the end.
Thomas explores multiple themes in this book that weave in and out of the storylines, connecting unexpected characters as events unfold and secrets are revealed. She isn't hesitant to shine a spotlight on the racial divides that existed, impacting the lives of more than a few of the characters. She touches on the complications and heartache of social restrictions placed on certain characters, particularly women, and of the inability to live an authentic life. She also explores the many layers of relationships - family, romantic, friendship - which bring another level of emotion and understanding to the lives of these characters and enough unexpected twists to keep readers wondering how it will all turn out in the end. I enjoyed it and will be seeking out more of Ms. Thomas's books.
Nisha Sharma hits it out of the park with this final installment in her If Shakespeare Were an Auntie series. I've enjoyed all three books but this onNisha Sharma hits it out of the park with this final installment in her If Shakespeare Were an Auntie series. I've enjoyed all three books but this one is my favorite. I loved the humor, the heart, the spice, the Indian-American representation, and the generational - and gender - conflicts. Sharma knows of what she writes and conveys the obstacles many first generation Indian-Americans, especially women, face with humor, wit, and clear-eyed truth. It makes this book fun to read while also being thought provoking.
Friendship is a strong thread in this series and it's been enjoyable to watch the six main characters (three women/three men) evolve over the course of the three books as well as their interwoven relationships. It's a relatable reflection of what we all face as friendships transition due to growth, marriage, and other factors in our lives, occasionally leaving some of us on the outside looking in.
As stated in the book's blurb, the relationship between Veera and Deepak is messy and spicy. It's also funny and endearing. I'm a huge fan of fake relationships in fiction and this one had me laughing, sighing, cringing, and cheering.
As with the first two books in the series, family and community played huge roles in Deepak's and Veera's journeys. Particular favorites were Deepak's mother and, of course, the Aunties. We should all be so fortunate to have such a group of Aunties in our lives.
While each book in this trilogy stands well on its own, I'm glad I read them order to appreciate the full effect of the evolution of the six main characters, their friendships, and their romantic relationships. I enthusiastically recommend all three books. ...more
I always look forward to Sarah Morgan’s Christmas books. I can count on an emotional journey in a vividly depicted winter setting with intriguing famiI always look forward to Sarah Morgan’s Christmas books. I can count on an emotional journey in a vividly depicted winter setting with intriguing family dynamics and significant character growth. All of that holds true for The Holiday Cottage though this one, while good, falls a bit short of the 5-star read Morgan typically provides. At least it did for me.
I had a difficult time getting into the first half of the book or feeling a connection to Imogen. The pace dragged and I found myself putting the book aside several times. I just wasn’t being pulled in as I usually am with this author. I kept going however and eventually the pace picked up as did the interest. From the midpoint on the story takes off and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I’m glad I stuck with it because the second half was everything I enjoy about Morgan’s writing, including a picturesque setting, Christmas tree farms, adorable children, romance, complicated relationships, and discovering the joy of the holiday season.
I enjoyed the different perspectives of Imogen, her favorite client Dorothy, and Dorothy’s daughter Sara. There are complex family dynamics that play out over the course of the book as well as significant individual growth for all three women. There is also a romance for Imogen that, while a bit quick, still left me feeling confident in the long-term stability of the relationship. There’s also a significant story thread for Imogen that’s left open-ended. I was really hoping to see on-the-page closure. Other than that, however, I was happy with the way the book concluded. Even if it’s not among my favorites of this author’s books, a Sarah Morgan novel is still a good read and well worth my time. ...more
I had never heard of Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield prior to reading this book. The author shares in her notes that she hadn't known of her either until I had never heard of Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield prior to reading this book. The author shares in her notes that she hadn't known of her either until stumbling upon her name while doing research for a different project. Like me, while reading The Unexpected Diva, Warren was fascinated by this extraordinarily talented Black woman in pre-Civil War America. I am grateful she chose Eliza as the focus of her first historical fiction novel.
Warren took the actual facts known about Eliza's life and filled in the spaces to immerse readers into 1850's America and what the life of a Black woman such as Eliza might have been. It would have taken incredible determination to achieve what she did. Warren breathed life into both real people and fictional characters to weave a compelling story I found hard to put down. In fact, her characters were all so vividly portrayed and seamlessly intertwined that I had to read the author's notes at the end of the book to determine who was actually real and who was fictional. Well, except for Harriet Beecher Stowe and Queen Victoria.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Unexpected Diva and learning about Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield. I have an immense amount of respect and admiration for her and her accomplishments. They deserve to be known and celebrated.
I'm eager to discover what Warren has planned next. I hope it's another historical fiction novel. I love being educated while also being entertained. Warren clearly has the knack for it.
4.5 Stars ARC received from William Morrow via NetGalley. Fair and unbiased review. ...more