This is the direct sequel to Building Fences, a story of a woman meeting her biological parents and all that entails. Crossing Paths continues the stoThis is the direct sequel to Building Fences, a story of a woman meeting her biological parents and all that entails. Crossing Paths continues the story from the biological parents POVs. (I'm not naming names to avoid book 1 spoilers) Seeing their young, teenaged selves inch closer to the inevitable after already knowing them in the present was such a unique and awesome experience. I already knew them to be great people, so that was the lens through which I saw everything unfold. This was a more emotional read because in both timelines, so many more people had a hand in what was happening. I went back and forth between empathizing with everyone's feelings and wanting to tell them all to back off and let the couple figure things out. One character in particular was hard to sympathize with, but there were signs that she may have a redemption story in the future.
Loved seeing them work through the hurt. Loved seeing them rediscover past experiences. And loved where they are at the end of the book. Looking forward to what else is planned for this family's future. ...more
Levi and Caroline's romance is just one of the fabulous relationships in this multi-generational family story. I loved how the subject of adoption is Levi and Caroline's romance is just one of the fabulous relationships in this multi-generational family story. I loved how the subject of adoption is handled. It was interesting to me to see each person's perspective, and how they adjusted to having this new side of themselves. There was one character that I would love to see get his comeuppance, but I'd be happy to meet every other person in this story in real life....more
Fascinating start to a new world. Magic is explained as talents each mage has, though that may end up being a simplification as the series continues. Fascinating start to a new world. Magic is explained as talents each mage has, though that may end up being a simplification as the series continues. I liked how Caro's blindness is handled. Her talents may make it easier for her to adapt and get around, but in no way solve all her problems. She's worked hard to be as independent as she is. I liked that Rick recognized and appreciated that in her. They both had cool backstories and worked well together.
As for the action/adventure/suspense side of the storyline, we get an introduction to the mage hierarchy, their politics and social structure, and their main villain - ghouls. Scandals of the past play a huge part in Caro and Rick's romance, but there isn't much in the way of current battles because they are mainly on the sidelines. I'm expecting that to change in the first full length novel where the main POV character is in the midst of the action. ...more
Harlequin romance readers are going to love this one.
I enjoyed the second chance trope and the easy way Philippa and Dominic were together after theyHarlequin romance readers are going to love this one.
I enjoyed the second chance trope and the easy way Philippa and Dominic were together after they sorted through their initial conflict. A source of that conflict had me giving Dominic a stern talking to for most of the book, but a scene near the end has me reconsidering the other person's motives in a better light. I felt for Philippa and the decisions she had to make, but I'm happy she was confident enough to make them.
** While this is the start of a new series and considered a standalone, it's set in the same world as Nina's Tillbridge Stables series. Most of the book takes place on the same property as the stables, and many of the characters (and the events of those books) appear or are heavily mentioned throughout A Chef's Kiss....more
And the finale brought everything home in an awesome conclusion. The "teams" are relatively set at the end of book 3, so there are very few new additiAnd the finale brought everything home in an awesome conclusion. The "teams" are relatively set at the end of book 3, so there are very few new additions in this one, but that doesn't mean there weren't surprises galore. And the humor that has been throughout the series seemed a little bit more compared to the increased intensity leading up to the final battle. I am very happy with how everything worked out. 10/10, highly recommend this series....more
A lot packed into this story. The big battle is coming, which is causing many things to fall into place. I love that the Knights are willing to adapt A lot packed into this story. The big battle is coming, which is causing many things to fall into place. I love that the Knights are willing to adapt as knew information is added. They were working under specific concepts and assumptions for nearly 1500 years, so I wouldn't have blamed them for pushing back. In addition to a truck full of secrets, more and more players are revealed. I love that people they thought long lost are returned to them. The cast and story has gotten very large, with a lot to keep track of, but I never felt out of place or overwhelmed. I loved it....more
Really enjoyed the unique take on a classic legend. So many cool details blending the 1500 years difference between the past and modern day. I liked hReally enjoyed the unique take on a classic legend. So many cool details blending the 1500 years difference between the past and modern day. I liked how the Knights were assembled, how they've survived, and the concept of what they'd need to find before the final battle. Overall entertaining story from beginning to end. I've already downloaded the second audiobook. ...more
So much going on. Surprises galore. The Immortal Pirates are collecting a special group of modern crew members and I am here for it. The original crewSo much going on. Surprises galore. The Immortal Pirates are collecting a special group of modern crew members and I am here for it. The original crew had been just existing for so long, it's cool to see them remember how to live. And I'm really loving that the adventures are incorporating famous artifacts and legends. I love when an author gives us a new take on a familiar thing. ...more
To be honest, I've been sitting on this a while because I've loved every book and I didn't want the series to end. But a friend was reading it and, y'To be honest, I've been sitting on this a while because I've loved every book and I didn't want the series to end. But a friend was reading it and, y'know, spoilers, so I figured now was the time to pick it up. Ending a series is hard. So much to wrap up and so many people to please. I think they nailed it. Strawberry Moon was everything I hoped it could be, and more. They even added a couple bonus touches that I wasn't too sure about, sight unseen, but ended up being so perfect that I'm kicking myself for even doubting them. I loved that neither Ford nor Archer were suddenly different. It reinforces the author's concept that you are who you are, human or wolf, and that everyone has stuff to deal with. You can make things better, but you have to work at it like everyone else. If you have a choice, make it before life makes it for you and you miss your chance. Both had to make peace with their families, and the how's and why's were brilliantly handled. And to add a cherry on top of this fun series, there is a short story at the end that shows the Grovestown wolves as one big happy family. Well worth the read! 10/10, highly recommend....more
Wild Card Undercover has an unusual start and keeps going all the way to the end. I've read many cop/informant duos, but "Katie"/Meg's backstory was sWild Card Undercover has an unusual start and keeps going all the way to the end. I've read many cop/informant duos, but "Katie"/Meg's backstory was something I hadn't seen before. And Chris was strong enough in his case and ego to trust her to do what needed doing. The romance progressed at the right speed for me, not only giving them time to get to know each other, but also giving them time to adjust to life after their dangerous undercover work. I'm interested to see what's in store for the other members of their team....more
I thought I had read everything by Kc Burn but it turns out I had not. Her novella, The Tithe, has been a fan favorite in the Coastal Magic ConventionI thought I had read everything by Kc Burn but it turns out I had not. Her novella, The Tithe, has been a fan favorite in the Coastal Magic Convention Reading Challenge for the past 2 years. There has been lots of chatter about it ... how sweet it is, how an unexpected reveal at the end is stunning, and how invested you get in the characters in such few words. Everyone says the same thing ... it's one of the books that sticks with them after the challenge is over. I'm officially agreeing with all everything they've said. A must read, 10/10....more
This is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. The concept is interesting, and I'm curious to see all the places it can go. In additionThis is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. The concept is interesting, and I'm curious to see all the places it can go. In addition to a solid case ripe for amateur sleuthing, Nora's friendships are just as strong as the murder they are investigating....more
One Knight's Kiss was charming. I loved how their story is surrounded by a love of books and reading. And the suspenseful twist at the end was great. One Knight's Kiss was charming. I loved how their story is surrounded by a love of books and reading. And the suspenseful twist at the end was great. Happiness for everyone! ...more
The backstory for the Immortal Pirates was really cool and I look forward to seeing where it all goes. I liked the crew dynamics and what that ended uThe backstory for the Immortal Pirates was really cool and I look forward to seeing where it all goes. I liked the crew dynamics and what that ended up looking like in present day. The romance was sweet and fairly straight forward considering how much ground needed to be covered in such a short time, but it never felt rushed. Several surprise twists happened at the end to tease the next book but I wouldn't necessarily call any of them cliffhangers. Looking forward to what's next....more
Alchemiya was such a beautiful novella. It had a historical vibe mixed with magical science, and a couple who were able to readjust their futures to iAlchemiya was such a beautiful novella. It had a historical vibe mixed with magical science, and a couple who were able to readjust their futures to include a romance neither one thought they'd get a chance to have. I was happy to hear that the author is planning to continue their story in a series. ...more
Very cute Friends-to-Lovers story. I especially enjoyed the pacing, how it flowed forward without all the back and forth angst that is common for thisVery cute Friends-to-Lovers story. I especially enjoyed the pacing, how it flowed forward without all the back and forth angst that is common for this trope. Each scene was a shining example of why they were perfect for each other. ...more
Winter's Demon has a shocking start, keeping Damian and his crew fighting one battle after another until the very end. I love it every time a new charWinter's Demon has a shocking start, keeping Damian and his crew fighting one battle after another until the very end. I love it every time a new character gets the sight to see the fae and supernatural stuff. Their reactions are always funny. Many things are set up in this book, hints of bigger secrets to come. The end includes a couple teasers that could go in any direction and I can't wait to see what's next! ...more
Easily one of the most emotional reads I've read in a while. The romance is doubled, as it follows Tanner and Cole in present day and Tom and Charlie Easily one of the most emotional reads I've read in a while. The romance is doubled, as it follows Tanner and Cole in present day and Tom and Charlie in 1948. The journal entry format made sure I was just as invested in Tom and Charlie as Tanner and Cole were. There are some built in conflicts to a story like this, but surprises too. Ultimately, Tanner and Cole's story is so much larger than expected and will stay with me for a while....more
Some Were In Time was just as good as the first book in the Shift Happens series. There was plenty of action/adventure as the overall series arc movedSome Were In Time was just as good as the first book in the Shift Happens series. There was plenty of action/adventure as the overall series arc moved forward, and seeing Essie having to navigate her family and friends about wedding plans was so funny. Her best friend Dwayne and Hank's brother Junior have larger rolls in this book. I loved getting to know them better. Family elements and surprise reveals near the end spun the series in a completely different way than I was expected, but I'm totally there for it!...more
