It was Anne Gracie's characters who first drew me to her books almost twenty years ago and it's her characters who bring me back with each new book shIt was Anne Gracie's characters who first drew me to her books almost twenty years ago and it's her characters who bring me back with each new book she writes. Each one - whether main or secondary - is brought to life on the page with Gracie's deft hand.
In this fourth and final book of The Brides of Bellaire Gardens series, we finally get Zoë's story and it's a delight. This former orphan, born in the London slums but with a French aristocratic heritage, is one of my favorite Gracie heroines, right up there with George (Georgiana), heroine of Marry in Scarlet (book four - Marriage of Convenience). I love her layers, her loyalty, her forthright manner, and her determination to carve her own path. I also love her vulnerability. She's quite a complex character.
Reynard/Julian has layers of his own. I enjoyed the evolution of their relationship, both as Vita and Reynard then as Zoë and Julian. Their banter is electric with each holding their own. I also appreciate how he isn't threatened by Zoë's artistic skill but supports and encourages it. There's plenty of humor between these two but also deep, heart-tugging emotion. They are a good match and I rooted for them to find their way back to one another.
The Secret Daughter can stand on its own but it's the final book in a four-book series. As such, overarching secondary storylines are wrapped up and main characters from the first three books are instrumental in this story. Julian isn't introduced until book four but for a better understanding of Zoë and the rest of the characters I recommend reading the series in order.
I don't know what Gracie has in store for readers next but whatever it is, I'll be happily buying it.
4.5 stars ARC received from publisher. Fair and unbiased review. ...more
The conclusion to Krentz's Lost Night Files trilogy is another high-intensity story brimming with danger, action, edge-of-the-seat suspense, and plentThe conclusion to Krentz's Lost Night Files trilogy is another high-intensity story brimming with danger, action, edge-of-the-seat suspense, and plenty of twists, psychic and otherwise.
This book pulled me into the story from the opening pages and held my interest right through to the end. I love Krentz's psychic world. While logically I can tell myself that many of the events and abilities that inhabit her fictional world are just that - fiction - I still find myself wondering, what if? She immerses me in her imagination and makes it all seem so real.
Her characters have depths that make them relatable and layers that slowly reveal themselves throughout the story, both to the reader as well as one another. I was fascinated by both Amelia and Gideon, especially as those layers fell away and I learned more about who they were at their core. The romance is not the heart of the book but it definitely is a facet.
You could enjoy Gideon and Amelia's story as a standalone but I'm happy I read the three books in order. There is an overarching mystery that runs through the trilogy, as well as twists in Shattering Dawn that had a greater impact because of things that happened in the first two books.
I don't know what Jayne Ann Krentz has planned for her next book but I'm already looking forward to it. 4.5 stars ARC received from publisher. Fair and unbiased review. ...more
If you've been reading this series, you already know the details of Clarissa's marriage and subsequent widowhood. If you haven't, Balogh weaves them iIf you've been reading this series, you already know the details of Clarissa's marriage and subsequent widowhood. If you haven't, Balogh weaves them into this book in a such a way that you won't be lost or confused if this is your first foray to Ravenswood.
I love second chance, reunion romances, especially those between childhood friends who reconnect later in life. But this one has an added layer of challenge. Matthew and Clarissa are from different stations in life, even more significant now that she is a dowager duchess and he is town's carpenter/wood carver. The difference was enough to not cross the line between friendship and love in their youth and is now sure to set tongues wagging when they're observed holding hands on long walks through the park. But they are no longer 17 and 18. They're a mature couple on the cusp of fifty and they know what they want although they are not unaware of the challenges that will need to be conquered to achieve it.
This is such a lovely, endearing novel. I really enjoyed watching Matthew and Clarissa rediscover their friendship and in doing so, rediscover themselves. Clarissa, especially, learns who she is and what she wants - and deserves - outside of being a mother. I love how she begins to take control of her life and how much she - and her relationships with her children - grow as a result. Matthew has no surfeit of growth himself. I enjoyed watching the positive evolution of his relationship with his family, due in no small part to Clarissa's encouragement and support. These two are so good for each other. I loved the caring, joy, fun, and eventually, deep, lasting love that developed between them. I laughed, I cried, and I turned the final page of their novel with a deep, happy, heartfelt sigh.
4.5 stars ARC received from publisher. Fair and unbiased review....more
I don't know who started this trend of adult summer camp romances but they have my thanks because I am loving these stories. And, Into the Woods, in JI don't know who started this trend of adult summer camp romances but they have my thanks because I am loving these stories. And, Into the Woods, in Jenny Holiday's capable hands, has me ready to grab a backpack and head for the woods myself.
I love Jenny Holiday's characters. They are beautifully developed, complex, and intriguing. Also relatable. I feel like I know them, understand them, flaws and all, and appreciate their emotional challenges. The banter between Teddy and Gretchen is impeccable, as is the friction. I love a good adversaries-to-lovers journey. Even better, there's all that delicious but unwelcome (at least at first) heat simmering beneath the surface.
Teddy and Gretchen have some life experience in their rearview (they're in their 30's/40's) and are each at a professional crossroads. Their growth, both professional and personal (each has emotional baggage to confront), adds additional depth to their journeys and made this book even more enjoyable for me. I loved their snark, loved their spark, and finished their book with heartfelt satisfaction. Also, don't discount the importance of the richly depicted secondary cast in this book. They add humor, heart, conflict, and unexpected wisdom. It's always fun when we learn life lessons from the ones we're supposed to be teaching.
If you read last year's Canadian Boyfriend (And if you haven't, you should. Just sayin'), you may recognize Gretchen as main female character Rory's (Aurora) boss and best friend. While Rory makes appearances in Into the Woods, don't worry if you're beginning here. Each book stands well on its own and I enthusiastically recommend both.
4.5 stars ARC from publisher. Fair and unbiased opinion....more
This book exemplifies all the reasons that when I want a fast-paced, emotional, Medieval romance that I can't put down, the author I first turn to is This book exemplifies all the reasons that when I want a fast-paced, emotional, Medieval romance that I can't put down, the author I first turn to is Julie Johnstone. Her characters are complex and fully developed. Her grasp of time and place is vividly and authentically depicted. Her books never leave me feeling as though I've read a modern book set hundreds of years ago. From the first page to the last, I was fully immersed in 15th Century Scotland, these characters, their triumphs, travails, passion, and the danger that stalks them.
While this is book three in Johnstone's Return of the Highlanders trilogy and the couples from books one and two are featured, The Highlander Burns for Vengeance stands well on its own. ...more
My heart. This book. I thought we were finished with this series but Hope Holloway had one more wonderful story in her pocket and it just may be my faMy heart. This book. I thought we were finished with this series but Hope Holloway had one more wonderful story in her pocket and it just may be my favorite of all the books she’s written.
I have so much love for these characters, for this family. I sighed, I cried, I cheered. I don't think it's possible for Hope Holloway to write a book that does not touch me emotionally but even among the many heart-tugging stories from her various book series, A New Year in the Keys stands out. It celebrates life, love, and multiple generations of family. It's achingly romantic. And, I have no doubt, to the delight of hordes of readers (like me) who rarely see themselves depicted in this manner, it features soul-stirring romance for a vibrant character in her seventies. It is never too late to fall in love just as it's never too late to fall in love with Hope Holloway's beautiful stories....more
It's the end of the Emerald Bay series and I am not ready to say goodbye to these complex characters who by this point all feel like dear friends. I'vIt's the end of the Emerald Bay series and I am not ready to say goodbye to these complex characters who by this point all feel like dear friends. I've enjoyed their individual journeys as one by one the cousins returned home, reconnected as a family, worked together to restore their family legacy, and found lasting love - plus a few surprises - along the way. Duncan vividly depicted each of them on the page, bringing them to life in such a way that they felt authentic and relatable, each with unique personalities and realistic challenges, both as individuals and as a family.
If you enjoy heartwarming women's fiction, family dynamics, a small-town, beachside location, and heart-tugging journeys to love, I highly recommend this series. I also strongly suggest reading the books in order as each book in the series builds upon those before it.
I don't know what Leigh Duncan has planned for her next book but after falling in love with both her Emerald Bay series and the Sugar Sand Beach series that preceded it, I'll definitely be in line to buy whatever comes next.
Susan Mallery’s One Big Happy Family is one special book. I’ve been reading Mallery for years, enjoyed many of her books, but even among the many MallSusan Mallery’s One Big Happy Family is one special book. I’ve been reading Mallery for years, enjoyed many of her books, but even among the many Mallery keepers lining my shelves, this book is an all-time favorite. It’s so addictively enjoyable I read it in one day and am already looking forward to my next re-read. I won’t be a bit surprised if it ends up being one of my special annual, in-front-of-the-tree-with-hot-cocoa-and-a-cozy-blanket Christmas reads. It’s just that good.
Mallery brings an ever expanding cast of characters to this story but it never feels cluttered or confusing. Chaotic? Well, that’s a different story but it’s the kind of holiday chaos I gobble up faster than hot-from-the-oven holiday shortbread. The characters are all developed with care and a thoroughness that brings them to life on the page. They are layered, complex, intriguing, and authentic. Even those who are eminently unlikable at first have layers that slowly reveal unexpected depths. Secrets are revealed, life decisions are made, a romance rekindles, another deepens, broken family relationships take the first steps toward healing, children bring a magical anticipation, and friends and family, old and new, biological and chosen, illustrate clearly that Christmas is the perfect time to open our hearts to the hope, joy, love, fun, and unexpected guests of the season.
Don’t miss Susan Mallery’s One Big Happy Family. It has my enthusiastic recommendation.
ARC received from publisher via NetGalley Fair and unbiased review...more
What a fun book! If you wait on pins and needles for the newest episode of Great British Bake Off or Food Network Holiday Baking Championship or any oWhat a fun book! If you wait on pins and needles for the newest episode of Great British Bake Off or Food Network Holiday Baking Championship or any of the plethora of other reality cooking/baking competitions available to view, you are going to love this book!
For the final book in her Pine Hollow series (I do not want to say good-bye to these characters!), Lizzie Shane has created a fast-paced, enemies-to-lovers story with snappy banter, sizzling chemistry, drool-worthy food, plenty of humor, but also heart, an enthusiastic, meddling, but supportive friend group, adorable dogs, and one lone cat who you will never convince me didn't know exactly what it was doing.
The characters are well-developed with intriguing layers that are slowly revealed, and not only Magda and Mac. The kitchen scenes are especially fun. Shane really nails the atmosphere - both on screen and off - of what I would expect from a rivals edition of a reality show. It's fun to observe the friendships that form while also rooting for the "villains" to be cast out of the kitchen. And it's not just the contestants who create the drama.
I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the books in this series. They are tied together through the group of friends, with a different couple - and dog - featured in each book yet can be read in any order. If you enjoy humor, heart, animals, friendships, emotional depth, and endearing romance, give this book - and this series - a try. I highly recommend it.
4.5 stars
ARC received from publisher via NetGalley Fair and unbiased review...more
Emily March takes readers on another heart-tugging, emotional journey in this third book of her Lake in the Clouds series. I love the way she weaves gEmily March takes readers on another heart-tugging, emotional journey in this third book of her Lake in the Clouds series. I love the way she weaves generations together within this family, giving equal consideration to all ages. And, I especially love that the pillars of the three books are sisters with decades of life behind them. Sisters who still have a thirst for life, for adventure, and for new romantic opportunities.
Second Chance Season brings new characters to Lake in the Clouds and into Genevieve and Helen's life, bringing unexpected revelations with them. March seamlessly weaves Zoey's journey into those of Helen, Genevieve, and their family, keeping me eagerly turning pages. All of these characters - and their stories - are compelling. March has a way of creating characters who seem so real. I feel as if I know them personally, become invested in their well being, ache when they are hurt, and cheer their happiness.
You could read Second Chance Season as a standalone but I'm glad I read the three books in order, especially because Helen's and Genevieve's stories - as well as their sibling relationship - unfolds over the course of the three books. The emotional impact of Second Chance Season was much greater having that understanding of where they started and how far they've come. The books, in order, are: The Getaway, Balancing Act, and Second Chance Season. I highly recommend all three.
ARC received from publisher via NetGalley Fair and unbiased review...more
I've been reading Elizabeth Hoyt since her debut. One of the many facets of her writing that continues to bring me back to her books is her charactersI've been reading Elizabeth Hoyt since her debut. One of the many facets of her writing that continues to bring me back to her books is her characters. In No Ordinary Duchess, the newest installment in her Greycourt series, both hero Julian and heroine Elspeth are standouts in Hoyt's long list of unforgettable lead characters.
There are few authors who write complex, emotionally tortured heroes as well as Hoyt. Do I love him? Despise him? Maybe both? In Julian's case, there were points where I wanted to wash my hands of him, others where my heart broke for him. He holds himself apart from family and friends (for reasons) yet strives to protect those he loves with every fiber of his being. He believes his past actions are villainous and unforgiveable and that present actions mark him as unnatural, unable to forgive himself for either. As I said: complex.
Elspeth is one of my favorite Hoyt heroines, a straight-talking young woman with an unconventional upbringing that sets her apart from a typical London miss. Everything about her feels authentic: her determination to complete her quest, her insatiable curiosity, her unapologetic exploration of sensual desires with Julian (Hoyt always brings the spice), and her refusal to accept defeat, especially at the hands of the true villain of this story. She's a force and I adored her.
The wise women storyline that runs through this series is one I could take or leave. It really doesn't add that much to the books for me other than as a plot device to explain the unexpected skills and knowledge the female leads possess. I'm not that interested in what will happen to the group. What I am interested in is Elspeth brother, Ran, former best friend of Julian and current recluse. The history there is fraught, fascinating, and overflowing with angst. I really hope Hoyt has a story planned for him. I am aching for it.
ARC received from publisher via NetGalley Fair and unbiased review ...more
Did I have to suspend disbelief to read this book? Yes. Did I jump wholeheartedly into Lizzy and Tuck's time-travel romance with complete and utter joDid I have to suspend disbelief to read this book? Yes. Did I jump wholeheartedly into Lizzy and Tuck's time-travel romance with complete and utter joy? You bet I did.
Riley had me from the get-go with modern-day hockey pro, Tuck suddenly finding himself stranded in Jane Austen's time. Not only her time, but her neighborhood. Then she added in Jane's friend, Lizzy, a Regency miss determined to outsmart family who treat her more as a commodity than a person. It is the Regency, after all. Marriage of convenience, anyone?
What happens when Tuck and Lizzy get together is fresh, fun, endearing, and yes, believable. I laughed, I sighed, I cheered, and I was surprisingly okay with the unconventional HEA (no spoilers) which totally works for these two. This is a book I can definitely see myself rereading in times when I need a mood boost.
If you're looking for an engaging, entertaining, slightly steamy, feel-good, time-travel romance to lift your spirits and give you a reprieve from holiday stress, look no further than Puck & Prejudice by Lia Riley. It's an absolute delight.
ARC received from publisher via NetGalley Fair and unbiased review...more
I have mixed feelings about this book. I enjoyed Linc and Hazel's book, Housebroke and was curious about what the author had planned for Linc's brotheI have mixed feelings about this book. I enjoyed Linc and Hazel's book, Housebroke and was curious about what the author had planned for Linc's brother, Eugene. At the time I had no idea that plan included Hazel's (then married) sister, Natalie. However, once Natalie and Eugene hit the page in Designs on You and their chemistry was obvious, I was totally on board. Eugene was a sweetheart and Natalie deserved a happy, fulfilling relationship on equal footing after exiting her toxic marriage.
One of the traits that I most enjoyed about Eugene was his respect and support of Natalie in all facets of her life. I loved how he lifted her up time after time, how he respected her design opinions and her parenting decisions, and especially how determined he was to do special things just for her. So different from her ex-husband. I also loved Eugene's relationship with her children. His scenes with them were among my favorites in the book.
Natalie had a more significant growth arc. Her ex did a real number on her self esteem and some of the emotional baggage that exited her marriage with her spilled over onto her relationship with Eugene. I cheered her on as she continued to pursue the career she was denied during her marriage. I appreciated how hard she worked to ensure her children were happy and had a healthy, loving relationship with their father, even if she wasn't his biggest fan. But she had a lot of growing to do when it came to a healthy work/family/relationship balance in her life. She continued to evolve and eventually reached a point where I felt like she and Eugene could finally meet on equal footing and create a happy, loving, and long-lasting family together.
One of the facets of this story that didn't work for me was the emphasis on the age difference between Natalie and Eugene, in particular from Natalie's perspective. It's used as justification for a number of her opinions/decisions throughout the book. So how big is this huge age gap that has an almost 34-year-old woman treating a successful, financially-secure, sexy, committed man like a teenager who doesn't know his own mind? Three years. Three. Years. I understand the need for conflict, and if Eugene had been, say, ten years younger it would have made sense but the almost non-stop emphasis on three years being insurmountable threw me out of the story more than it drew me in.
While there were a couple issues that detracted from my overall enjoyment of Designs on You, for the most part it was a satisfying read with multi-faceted characters I could root for, endearing kids, adorable dogs, relatable family dynamics, and a hard-won happy ending. It can stand on its own but for a better understanding of all characters and their backgrounds, I would recommend reading Housebroke first. ...more
Sue Moorcroft takes readers back to Rothach Hall on the Isle of Skye for another heart-tugging, contemporary novel. This one features middle Wynter siSue Moorcroft takes readers back to Rothach Hall on the Isle of Skye for another heart-tugging, contemporary novel. This one features middle Wynter sister Ezzie, now manager of the Scottish manor owned by an absent Swedish family. When the Larsons begin arriving for their winter holiday sojurn, with divorced son, Mats and his children leading the way - it signals the beginning of many changes in Ezzie's life - changes that throw a wrench into her relationship with one of her sisters and just may undo all the hard-won happiness she's found on Skye. I'm really enjoying this new series of Moorcroft's. She's assembled an intriguing cast of characters, centered by the three adopted Wynter sisters. Their journeys are a satisfying blend of women's fiction and romance, with explorations of relatable issues, personal growth, family, and love. I like their flaws, that they've made questionable decisions in the past, the hard work they've put in to atone for those decisions and create good lives, and the obstacles sometimes thrown into their paths. I'm especially enjoying the adoption storyline, the chaos it throws into the lives of the sisters but also the opportunity it affords to open their hearts and redefine what "family" means to each of them. Meeting the Larson family in this book is fun. They bring laughter, wisdom, a bit of angst, and a whole lot of heart to Ezzie's story. I especially enjoyed Mats' children and the relationship they form with Ezzie. I had no idea how Moorcroft planned to give Ezzie a happy romantic ending but she pulled it off in a realistic manner that fit the characters well. Ezzie and her sisters bring a rich, complex, and relatable sibling dynamic to each of the books. I really enjoy their interactions, disagreements, and strong, loving bonds that may be stretched but never break. You don't have to read book one, Under a Summer Skye (Thea's story) to enjoy A Skye Full of Stars but I had a better understanding of the characters and enjoyed Ezzie's book more for having read them in order. I'm now looking forward to the third book in the trilogy and curious to discover what Moorcroft has in store for final sister, Valentina. She's in a troubled marriage and I'm eager to find out what direction it's going to take.
4.5 stars ARC received for Rachel's Random Resources tour review. Fair and unbiased review. ...more
I am thoroughly enjoying the Stone brothers, each different but equally compelling. When I began this second book in the trilogy, I fully expected gorI am thoroughly enjoying the Stone brothers, each different but equally compelling. When I began this second book in the trilogy, I fully expected gorgeous, charming, middle brother Caleb to be my least favorite of the three but this hero has layers I had yet to discover. Much like Sophia does throughout the course of their journey.
Sophia and Caleb both carry emotional baggage from past relationships that continue to intrude on their present lives. In Sophia's case, it's the father of her daughter who suddenly decides he wants to be a part of his child's life after ignoring her since birth while for Caleb it's not only the unresolved issues with his estranged father that have significantly impacted his life choices but also a highly edited reality television show that painted him in the worst possible light, a light that Sophia, along with most of the country, believes is true. I enjoyed watching the layers slowly peel away and reveal truths about both of them. I especially enjoyed watching the endearing relationship between Caleb and Sophia's young daughter evolve. Nothing tests the true measure of a man, nor exposes his flaws, like babysitting an active four-year-old. In young Lily's eyes, Caleb is more than worthy but what will Sophia think?
If you enjoy sweet romance set in small-town Alaska with complicated family dynamics, a close-knit community, well-developed characters, and an elderly grandmother set on bringing her grandsons home and seeing them happily settled, give Flirting with Alaska a try. It will stand on its own but I think you'll enjoy it even more if you read Falling for Alaska first.
*ARC received from Forever. Fair and unbiased review. ...more
I read this book last week. In one day. Turned the last page around 1:00 AM then was awake at least another hour thinking about these characters, theiI read this book last week. In one day. Turned the last page around 1:00 AM then was awake at least another hour thinking about these characters, their journey, and the - OMG - unexpected revelations. Fell asleep and dreamed about them. Woke up thinking about them. It's been six days and I still haven't been able to start reading a new book. When We Had Forever is part women's fiction, part contemporary romance, part psychological thriller, and one of my top books of 2024, putting Shaylin Gandhi firmly on my must-buy author list.
Do yourself a favor and buy this deeply emotional, beautifully written novel but be prepared to not be able to put it down. It's just that good. ...more
Wilde In His Arms showcases everything I love and have come to expect from this series: well-developed, relatable characters, family dynamics, a main Wilde In His Arms showcases everything I love and have come to expect from this series: well-developed, relatable characters, family dynamics, a main couple I can root for, and breath-stealing suspense.
One of the things I appreciate about Ryan's writing is how she doesn't hold back when it comes to the tough topics that, sadly, are all too relevant in today's world, especially those that impact children. It can make for difficult reading at times but shining a light on those issues is essential in working to put a stop to them.
Wilde In His Arms brings readers a twisty, danger-filled, spicy, contemporary romance that took me on an emotional journey while also delivering a satisfying, hard-earned happily ever after. I'm deeply invested in this close-knit, Wyoming ranching family and starting to become invested in their Montana cousins as well. I don't know if Ryan has plans for the cousins but I'm keeping my fingers crossed for more books, especially one for Hawk.
Take Me Home for Christmas takes readers back to the Carolina coast in a new Chances Inlet story brimming with a strong sense of community, quirky chaTake Me Home for Christmas takes readers back to the Carolina coast in a new Chances Inlet story brimming with a strong sense of community, quirky characters, relatable family dynamics, emotional depth, two feel-good romances, lovable animals, and heart-tugging happy endings.
I enjoy the friends-to-lovers romance trope. Throw in messy emotional baggage, a currently strained relationship, family complications, a potential new love interest (championed by his mother), and careers in different locations and you have a book that kept me flipping pages right up until the end.
Take Me Home for Christmas is the fifth book in Solheim's Chances Inlet series. Fans of the series (like me) will no doubt enjoy all the catch-up cameos by couples from earlier books while readers new to the series should be able to enjoy Elle's and Hayden's story on its own. Whichever camp you fall into, Take Me Home for Christmas delivers a sometimes humorous, sometimes poignant, heartwarming tale of family, community, and finding that one person who completes you in all the right ways.