Before We Were Us was an amnesia romance with an interesting take.
Lauren's first interaction with her boss, Jonah, was not a positive one, and there Before We Were Us was an amnesia romance with an interesting take.
Lauren's first interaction with her boss, Jonah, was not a positive one, and there was quite a bit of friction between the two....until there wasn't. Both began to open themselves up, and a friendship was born which grew into more. It looked like they would spend forever together until the accident which left Lauren missing those months where she and Jonah fell in love.
My heart ached for Jonah. He was patient and kind. He made mistakes during Lauren's recovery, but I had no doubt how difficult it was for him to watch her slip through his fingers. But I admired his perseverance and ability to hold onto hope.
I liked the thoughtful placement of the flashback which allowed me to see Lauren and Jonah's love story unfold while giving context to events in the current timeline. I also loved the setting. I had the pleasure of visiting some of the spots mentioned in the story which is something that never fails to delight me.
I was feeling good about the book, thought it was a solid read and then the most wonderful thing was revealed right before the end. It had me shedding happy tears which really is a reliable way to measure my enjoyment.
A Kristan Higgins book always hits the spot! I really enjoyed the exploration of these sisters' lives and their relationships.
ThingsRating: 4.5 Stars
A Kristan Higgins book always hits the spot! I really enjoyed the exploration of these sisters' lives and their relationships.
Things I loved: - The triplets - The sisterhood - The dresses - The personal journeys of both Jenny and Rachel - Leo
I want to say more about Leo. He was a wounded man, and oh! My heart broke when I found out what happened to him, but I think he is one of my favorite of Higgins' love interests. And let's face it, the other men who got a lot of page time were terrible or insufferable. I raged so hard every time Rachel's husband spoke, and Owen was selfish and oblivious.
I endured those ups and downs with both Rachel and Jenny and was really proud of them in the end. As always, the story had lots of humor, warmth, and depth with characters I grew to care for and a story I was eager to see play out.
I won't lie, I came for the second chance romance (and to check Mistletoe off my keyword challenge). I just love them so much! The reasons for the firI won't lie, I came for the second chance romance (and to check Mistletoe off my keyword challenge). I just love them so much! The reasons for the first breakup were infuriating, but I did enjoy seeing these two get to know each other as adults. There was some push and pull, but it was easy to see these two belonged together. Grandma and the kid were definite bright spots. That child was too precious!
I have never played pickleball, but I sure had a good time learning about it and watching Meg and Ethan fall in love as they attempted to conquer thisI have never played pickleball, but I sure had a good time learning about it and watching Meg and Ethan fall in love as they attempted to conquer this world.
Meg immersed herself in the sport following her surprise divorce. It was her first step in rediscovering parts of herself that she sacrificed for her marriage. The action sequences were lots of fun and filled with a plethora of rom-com moments, but Long also gave Meg some great people to support her on her journey. Her relationship with Annie was one of those female friendships I relish, and the cross generational friendship she formed with Rooster was stellar as well.
Then there was Ethan. He was doll! He seems like the enemy at first, but he really does want to make everyone happy in some way while also getting his job done. They both clicked together so well and were able to be open and honest with such ease. They formed a great team, and I was happy to root for them at all times.
There was this one storyline that I wasn't sure about, and then at 75%, there was this fantastic reveal that had me giddy. Another one came really close to the end, and I was glad I paid attention to some of those clues.
Overall, I had so much fun being part of and learning about the world of pickleball. The setting, the characters, and Meg's personal journey were all highlights for me which culminated into story that made me laugh, smile, and swoon.
I am hoping in without reading the first book, but all the gaps were filled in well for me.
The first thing that caught my attention was the friendshiI am hoping in without reading the first book, but all the gaps were filled in well for me.
The first thing that caught my attention was the friendship between these women. Willow, Charly, and Aubrey were lifelong friends who made a pact to move to this town they discovered while traveling if they weren't happy. And here they were in Timber Falls running the Naked Moose together. You can tell these women shared a lot of history and I really enjoyed their dynamic. Probably just as much as I enjoyed the friendship between the three cowboys - Jaxson, Gunner, and Eli.
The prime focus was on Willow and Eli, their budding relationship, and their healing journeys. Willow was still finding her footing after being a victim of domestic abuse. She found empowerment by helping other women and forming a crafting group, a safe space for other victims of domestic abuse. I loved that she channeled her energy in such a positive way even if it wasn't easy for her. Eli also had a history marred by domestic abuse with his sister being the victim. This shared pain allowed him and Willow to connect in a deeper way. Kennedy handled the domestic abuse storylines with care and also did a nice job balancing the heavy and light parts of this story.
Overall, I enjoyed Lone Wolf in Lights with the relationships and charm of Timber Falls winning me over.
This was what I have grown to expect from Thayne - fun and sweet with a touch of drama. I did not read the first book, so I enjoyed getting to know thThis was what I have grown to expect from Thayne - fun and sweet with a touch of drama. I did not read the first book, so I enjoyed getting to know the members of this community as much as I loved watching Rafe and Amanda fall for each other.
They both wore scars of their past which kept them from wanting to embark on any romantic relationships, but the heart wants what the heart wants. Making this union even sweeter was Rafe's son whose attachment to Amanda melted my heart. I will admit that Amanda frustrated me a bit, but I sort of understood the whys given her history.
This story amazingly felt light given some of the heavy topics mentioned with respect to various character's backstories. I consider that a great feat which fit well with the festive feel of most of the book.
This book started with a warning about the sensitive topics included. I wasn't sure what I was in for, but I was immediately engrossed in this tale.
IThis book started with a warning about the sensitive topics included. I wasn't sure what I was in for, but I was immediately engrossed in this tale.
I couldn't imagine what it would be like to wake up and find thirteen years of memories missing. This was the challenge Evie was presented with. After an accidental reunion with someone from her past, Evie embarks on a journey with him to piece together her past.
The story alternates between past and present until we have the full picture of Evie's situation. It ranged from wonderful to sad with many promising moments and bad choices in between. My emotions were definitely all over the place, but there were plenty of plot to enjoy along with some few interesting twists to keep me on my toes. And I have to mention how interesting Evie's field of study was. Forensic linguistics is new to me, and the bits that were incorporated into the story drove me to learn a bit more about it. My one criticism would be that I wanted the story to go a bit further at the end. I got my answers, but I would have liked to see a few things play out further.
Otherwise, this was a story that hooked me from the get-go. I was truly invested in seeing Evie recover her memories, and I was emotionally invested in her mending her broken relationships. My heart ached for everyone whose life was affected by Evie's husband, and I was glad they were gracious and willing to give Evie a second chance.
I love characters with history, and these two grew up together. Jessie had pined for Damien for years, and he was gone from her life Rating: 3.5 Stars
I love characters with history, and these two grew up together. Jessie had pined for Damien for years, and he was gone from her life after her failed attempt to kiss him. Circumstances brought them back together when their circumstances were different. This is a short story companion to this series - it moves quick with the understanding that these two have a past and a shared connection. I liked the end part of the story best with its bit of holiday magic and more leaving me feeling happy for everyone involved.
Because I read the books out of order, this is actually my final trip to Port Snow. This time around, I got to know Reid better. This brother was stilBecause I read the books out of order, this is actually my final trip to Port Snow. This time around, I got to know Reid better. This brother was still nursing his wounds from his failed business. It had been three years, but Reid had yet to move forward. BUT he did finally act on the crush he was harboring for over a decade which may have put some things in motion for him.
I loved that Reid and Eve both pined for each other for so long. I can understand that the situation was a bit complicated with the whole best-friend's-twin-sister thing, but I was glad they finally acted on their feelings. They had a strong foundation built on shared history and friendship, and you could tell they both cared deeply about each other. I really wanted their love match to happen because of all that but also because I thought they were good for each other. I wanted to see Reid shake off his failure and try to move his life forward and I was happy to see all this happen with Eve by his side.
Reid seemed to have some inner demons to slay and some personal obstacles to overcome before he could really be fully in this relationship, and I have to admit, that was sometimes frustrating. But the family involvement, brotherly love, and huge doses of humor helped me weather the storms as I patiently waited for the drama to clear.
Overall, this was a solid addition to this series that won a place in my heart. I adored every visit to Port Snow and having the opportunity to see each Knightly overcome the "curse" and get their HEA.
What started as a graveside visit grew into a true friendship between two grieving people who were there for each other, year after year, as they naviWhat started as a graveside visit grew into a true friendship between two grieving people who were there for each other, year after year, as they navigated their lives without their loved ones and slowly healed.
This was a rather sweet and touching tale. It was terrible circumstances that brought them together but also wonderful that Ben and Alice could find some comfort in each other. Their friendship grew with each "anniversary" as they challenged each other to take steps forward or make positive changes in their lives.
This was not one of those quick fixes through grief. These two grappled with their loss for many years. Though there was forward motion, there seemed to be a few steps back. Sometimes it was frustrating, but I was very pleased in the end. I actually adored the final chapter of the book which brought those happy tears to my eyes. I appreciated being a part of Ben and Alice's journey which was filled with honesty, humor, and warmth.
We have watched them spar for two books, and we finally get to find out why while also watching a friendship and more form between GuRating: 4.5 Stars
We have watched them spar for two books, and we finally get to find out why while also watching a friendship and more form between Gus and Teddy.
My affection for this series grows stronger with each book, and there are so many reasons why. I was thinking about this as I read the author's note. Sage talks about finding the heart of this book which she felt was the relationships between the fathers and their children. Those were definitely highlighted in this book, but I feel that it's the relationships that shine in every Rebel Blue book. The love and support that exists within the Rebel Blue family is something I envy and adore reading about, and it shined once again in Lost and Lassoed.
Cam and Gus had co-parenting down to a science, but things were getting a bit tough with Cam out of town for an internship. The Ryder family suggests a part time babysitter to help Gus out with his daughter, Riley, and that help was to come in the form of Teddy. Knowing the history between Teddy and Gus made this an interesting suggestion, but it also allowed them the time and space to see a different side of each other.
It was an interesting time for Teddy. There were a lot of changes taking place in her life with some relationships evolving and other ending as the boutique she worked at for many years was closing. The babysitting job gave her some time to contemplate her next steps and really think about what she wanted to do with her life, and as I previously said, it let us see a different side of Teddy. A softer, more tender side as well as her creative side.
It was fun to get more Riley-time, too. That kid was precious! And how can you not admire how much love was lavished on her. She had two wonderful parents, but also so many other caring adults in her life. But that was just the way it was in the Rebel Blue family. They were there for each other, and that was on display multiple times in this book.
I also must say that Sage did a great job setting me up for the next book. We got to know Cam a bit in book two, but there was this heart-to-heart she had with Gus that was very revealing and helped me mentally prepare for what book four has in store.
Overall, I was thrilled with my return trip to the Rebel Blue Ranch. I loved seeing the softer, mushier sides of Gus and Teddy and they found their forever together, and I am eager to return!
Lydia had been admiring Jack from afar, but this was her chance to impress him. All she had to do was run a marathon.... Not known for her athletic prLydia had been admiring Jack from afar, but this was her chance to impress him. All she had to do was run a marathon.... Not known for her athletic prowess, Lydia enlisted a trainer, Luke, to help her prepare for the race. Sparks fly and they may have crossed that professional line, but will this all end when marathon day arrives.
I have to admit, I wasn't sure about Lydia at the start of this book, but when I saw her dedication to her training and her craft, as well as what was beyond the surface, I found her easy to root for. I was so angry about the way she was being treated at work, but proud of her when she finally had her moment of clarity at work and saw the situation for what it truly was.
Luke was a gem. He was so sweet and genuine. His desire and drive to give back was something that endeared him to me, and I kept my fingers crossed for him as he pursued his dream.
I felt the attraction between these two immediately and was eager to see if grow. When we first meet Lydia, she gave this impression of not being too into long term connections. Though she harbored a crush for Jack for years, her romantic life appeared to be comprised of one-night stands. She frustrated me a bit with her push and pull, and I could only hope she came to her senses.
Overall, this was a fun tale of running and reaching for your dreams. About finding people who will support you and your vision and cheer for you until you reach that finish line.
This book starts at the end. The end of a twenty-two year relationship with a couple embarking on divorce. They had hit rock-bottom aRating: 4.5 Stars
This book starts at the end. The end of a twenty-two year relationship with a couple embarking on divorce. They had hit rock-bottom and were broken, but it's through their time apart that they heal.
I would say this story had it all - the good, the bad, and the ugly. Both Dani and Alex reflected on their time together. I was treated to some beautiful and touching moments from their love story, as well as some meaningful memories. They shared a long history together, but there were things they missed and were now recognizing with the distance between them.
I found their journey interesting but difficult. It's hard to watch the demise of something beautiful. My best advice is - buckle up. This was an emotional roller coaster. In my mind, I had the story end at about 90%. The last 10% of the book had me sobbing in a puddle of my own tears. It was simultaneously heartwarming and heartbreaking. I get the big message and there is some beauty in the pain, but after reading two Carlino books in a row, I need a rom-com.
Overall, this was a touching story of love and what things really bring our life meaning. There was happiness and tears, anger and forgiveness, but above all, there was love.
If I was being honest, I didn't expect this book to earn a high rating when I first started reading it. I had "feelings" about CharloRating: 4.5 Stars
If I was being honest, I didn't expect this book to earn a high rating when I first started reading it. I had "feelings" about Charlotte. But it all changed for me about halfway through the book. Carlino went straight for my heart, pulling no punches as I was reduced to a puddle. I spent about 30% of the book sobbing. I was crying because it was sad, but it was also so beautiful.
Then there was the dreaded triangle. I don't hate love triangles, but usually the author writes the two love interests in such a way that it's easy for me to pick one over the other. This was the worst! I actually really liked them both, and I think that contributed to my heartache as well.
The romantic element was strong in this book, but it was more about Charlotte and her journey. She had spent so many years exploring and abandoning possible careers. She dated emotionally unavailable me to protect her heart. She never really came into herself until that night. Meeting Adam was life changing for her, in so many ways, but being with him, loving him, helped her gain clarity and focus.
I was overjoyed with where Carlino went with this story. There was love and joy and laughter, and that epilogue! There I was, sobbing again, but it wasn't because I was sad, it was because it was so lovely and perfect.
I should have never doubted Carlino, and as expected, this was a wonderful and emotional story that really touched me and tugged at my heartstrings.
I am total trash for second chance romances, and I really enjoyed this one.
Neil and Becky were childhood friends and each other's first love, and nowI am total trash for second chance romances, and I really enjoyed this one.
Neil and Becky were childhood friends and each other's first love, and now, they were getting a second shot at the future they thought they would share together. Both of them had grown during the 12 years apart, but their love still endured. Of course they belonged together!
Neil was very sweet with Becky's daughter, and I loved the dynamic of the Westmore. It was fun the way Becky's brothers pulled Neil into the fold.
Overall, this was a sweet second-chance romance with a touch of holiday magic.
This one started out with brawl that had been building for years and quickly evolved to so much more. Was it instalove of were Emma and Jackson just aThis one started out with brawl that had been building for years and quickly evolved to so much more. Was it instalove of were Emma and Jackson just acting on an attraction that had always been simmering below the surface? Either way, it was fun watching them fall for each other as they planned the Strawberry Hollow holiday party together. It was time this feud was put to bed, and the sheriff's idea was a brilliant way to make this happen. I have been seeing a lot of readers calling this "Hallmark with spice", and I can definitely see the comparison. It was a small town romance with lots of holiday flair making it festive and fun.
Sylvie was a hopeless romantic who was trying to change her ways. She made a promise to herself to keep it casual but things changed Rating: 3.5 Stars
Sylvie was a hopeless romantic who was trying to change her ways. She made a promise to herself to keep it casual but things changed when she met Woods.
I liked so many things about this book, so I will start with what didn't work for me. For the most part, it was small things which is probably more a "me" thing because I am older than Sylvie. There were these really graphic overshares that would take me out of the moment. There were also a few times where I found Sylvie rushed to conclusions, but I do feel there was growth which was a positive thing. There seemed to be SO many things getting thrown in Woods and Sylvie's road to their HEA too. I kept expecting the other shoe to drop every chapter.
But they overcame it all, and I was rooting for them. I found the connection between Sylvie and Woods to be a great one. Woods was the calm in the storm for Sylvie, and she was the color in his world. I really liked them together and enjoyed seeing them grow together.
It was wonderful seeing this wonderful geek win over Sylvie. Woods kind of wore his heart on his sleeve, and there were all these little moments. He was precious, and I was glad he was able to be an anchor for Sylvie.
Overall, I found this to a fun romance. Maybe all the humor wasn't to my taste, but overall, it was an entertaining read with some depth.
Rafe met and fell in love and lost Genesis on the set of the reality show, Marry Me. But he was determined to win back her trust and her love as he fiRafe met and fell in love and lost Genesis on the set of the reality show, Marry Me. But he was determined to win back her trust and her love as he fights for a second chance with her.
This is the third book in The Royals of Monterra, but I was able to enjoy Rafe and Genesis' story without reading the previous two books. I loved seeing Rafe trying to win his way back into Genesis' good graces. He showed his loved via his actions and showed what a big heart he had by becoming a part of the Frog Hollow community.
A royal living among the everyday folk in Iowa is a fun premise and was elevated by how wonderful Frog Hollow was. I really enjoyed the first half of the book where the story played out among the townspeople. Not only were Rafe's contributions lovely, but so was the way everyone adored Genesis.
I will say I had a bone to pick with her. The woman would not let Rafe present his side of the story. So, if communication issues irritate you, Genesis may rub you the wrong way. But she had a lot of baggage from her past which was crazy, by the way. There was more drama than I expected in this story which made the first half have such a different feel from the second half of the story, but I was entertained and happy with the outcome.
Overall: A solid romance with a touch of mystery, suspense, and lots of grand gestures.
Samantha (WLABB)
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