Featuring ~ dual 3rd person POV, second chance, brother's best friend, best friend's si4.35⭐ rounded up.
Book 1 in a new series following the Donovans.
Featuring ~ dual 3rd person POV, second chance, brother's best friend, best friend's sister, baby of the family, meddling parents & brothers, forbidden love, age gap (23 & 32), returning to hometown, small town, military men, secret relationship, fade to black, no steamage
Arianna & Will meet while in California and spend only one day together exploring the town before they head back to their lives. They want to make long distance work, but for certain reasons it just does not. Flash forward a year later and Arianna's brother, Liam, is home from his tour with the Marines and he brings a surprise guest with him, Will. And it looks like Will is sticking around since they're going into business together. With a super protective older brother and meddling parents, how can they make it work?...by sneaking around of course.
They were so cute together and I enjoyed watching their love blossom. Will was such a sweet guy and never acted all military tough. One thing I have to say ~ Arianna made a big stink that she was all grown up now and how her family needs to take her seriously, but then in other chapters she's whining and stomping her feet about something ~ a bit counterproductive there. It took a while, but I'm glad she finally stood up for herself.
I feel invested in the Donovan clan and will for sure need to read the rest of the series.
*Thanks to Samantha Chase and Valentine PR for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Book 1 in The Rose Valley series that leaves off on a cliffhanger
Features: dual 1st person, characters in their 20's, winery setting
Sienna and Wi3.25⭐
Book 1 in The Rose Valley series that leaves off on a cliffhanger
Features: dual 1st person, characters in their 20's, winery setting
Sienna and Will Sienna is a sommelier at the Monroe Winery. Will’s family owns the winery that Sienna works at. He’s smitten with her right from the beginning. But she can’t believe he would want anything to do with her since they're from two different worlds. She was really hung up on the fact that Will is an heir to a fortune and she's just a normal working girl trying to take care of her sick father. I did admire her need to take care of everything on her own, but I really wanted her to gain more confidence.
There were some sad moments that just broke my heart for Sienna and one of them brings us to the cliffhanger ending.
All in all, while I don't agree with some parts of the story, I do applaud the author's effort to bring a story that tries to both yank at the heartstrings and put a smile on your face.
Side note ~ I liked the nod to 2 of my favorite golfers ~ Bryson and Brooks.
*Thanks to Ally for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*...more
Featuring ~ 3rd person POV, first love, insta-love, religion, short story
This is the love story of Shiv and Mahira who met in college and instantly feFeaturing ~ 3rd person POV, first love, insta-love, religion, short story
This is the love story of Shiv and Mahira who met in college and instantly fell in love. They come from different religions, Hindu and Muslim. They must keep their relationship a secret because it’s unorthodox for them to be together.
A super quick story (11 pages) that was a heartbreaking look at how society is not always accepting of what differs from the beliefs that they are accustomed to.
*Thanks to the author for sending me a digital copy to read. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*...more
Featuring ~ single 3rd person POV, paranormal, haunted house, witches, ghosts, graphic violence, assault, murder, animal death, transg3.5⭐ rounded up.
Featuring ~ single 3rd person POV, paranormal, haunted house, witches, ghosts, graphic violence, assault, murder, animal death, transgender character
I haven't read too many books about witches as it's not my typical genre, but I was delighted that Cass reached out and asked me to read and review her debut book.
Vianna fled Salem 10 years ago, but has returned to bury her mother. She comes from a long line of witches and has the ability to see ghosts. I think it would be fun to be able to see ghosts, but I could also see how it could get bothersome. Some of the ghosts seemed very realistic, especially with all the beetles. There was a little mystery about Nancy that I was eager to see how it would play out. Many of the witches are not likable, but Vianna held her own and fought back when necessary. I really enjoyed Vianna and Dee's friendship.
Overall, a solid debut that had a slow start for me, but I found to be well written, researched and very descriptive. I think this book would definitely appeal to those that normally enjoy this genre. Perfect for spooky season reading. I liked reading Cass's note about how the book came about.
*Thanks to Cass Kay and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
4⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Colten & Josie #2, Life #4 Others in the series ~ Pieces of a Life Publication date ~ September 19, 2022 Est page 4⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Colten & Josie #2, Life #4 Others in the series ~ Pieces of a Life Publication date ~ September 19, 2022 Est page Count ~ 370 Audio length ~ 8 hours 19 minutes Narrators ~ Emery Erickson, Alastair Haynesbridge POV ~ multiple 1st Featuring ~ dual timeline, childhood sweethearts, mental illness, second chance
There are some heavy topics in this one ~ see my warnings below.
Colten & Josie's relationship still continues to be a complicated one. Josie has a lot going on in her head and is having trouble coping. Colten always said he'd stand by Josie and he never stops fighting to have his happily ever after because what he and Josie have is everything.
I don't want to say too much, so just know that if you decide to read this duet you're in for quite a twisted and emotional roller coaster of a ride.
CW ~ (view spoiler)[references to suicide, rape and death of children, attempted suicide, assisted suicide (hide spoiler)]
Narration notes: I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
*Thanks to Jewel E. Ann and Valentine PR for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Book 2 in the Boy Meets Boy series ~ totally a standalone.
Featuring ~ single 1st person POV, LGBT ~ MM & BI, rich brat, celebrit4⭐ for the audiobook.
Book 2 in the Boy Meets Boy series ~ totally a standalone.
Featuring ~ single 1st person POV, LGBT ~ MM & BI, rich brat, celebrity, Christmas, forced proximity, small town, opposites attract, anxiety disorder
This ended up being kinda cute and I liked it more than book 1. It took much longer for me to warm up to Matthew than it did for the "coffee girl" to make him a cinnamon macchiato with 3 1/4 shots of espresso, almond milk, a shot of oat milk and stevia. I was rolling when he and Hector made cookies for the first time and he was beating the butter, like actually beating it with his fists ...more
Book 2 in the Sweet Nothings Bake Shop series ~ I suggest they be read in order as the MC's from book 1 are heavily involved here.
Fea4.75⭐ rounded up.
Book 2 in the Sweet Nothings Bake Shop series ~ I suggest they be read in order as the MC's from book 1 are heavily involved here.
Featuring ~ mostly single 1st person POV (one chapter has a different narrator), small town, sweetness, cuteness, possible infertility, no steamage
Daphne is totally crushing on the hot Brit that is in town on business. But why risk getting close when he'll be moving on to the next job soon enough. Daphne ends up winning a trip for 4 and Jasper comes along. As they spend more and more time together their feelings grow and grow, but could one phone call change everything for their budding romance?
Daphne and Jasper are both so friendly and so sweet. Jasper is the most gentlemanny of all gentleman's. I was really rooting for them to get together.
I really enjoy Daphne and Bea's friendship. They are always there for each other as best friends should be. Celia is a great side character too. There's a set up for the next book in the series and I'm looking forward to it.
Side note ~ anyone watch General Hospital? I know he's Australian and not British, but I was picturing Jasper Jax as the Jasper here.
*Thanks to Kristen Dixon and BookSirens for the copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
First of all I am mad that I haven't read book 1 & 2 and hope I didn't miss out on anything.
Featuring ~ dual 3rd person POV, lawyer, 3.75⭐ rounded up.
First of all I am mad that I haven't read book 1 & 2 and hope I didn't miss out on anything.
Featuring ~ dual 3rd person POV, lawyer, panic attack, bookshop, friends to lovers
Lizzie needs a break from lawyering and heads to the small town of Weldon and hangs with her bff, Jack, for 3 weeks. As they spend more and more time together, their attraction for each other grows. Can they be friends with benefits or will one of them want more?
The bookshop setting was lovely and I liked that Lizzy was on a journey to find what truly makes her happy. They have some nice banter and the karaoke scene sounded like a good time too. All in all, a fun quick read/listen.
Side note ~ I really can't stand where there are medaling parents to their adult children ~ Lizzy's mom really bugged me!
I was able to listen to the final version on audio as well, so I went back and forth reading and listening. Cindy Kay did a fine job narrating for 9 hours and 41 minutes, easy to follow at 2-2.5x
*Thanks to St. Martin's Press, Jayci Lee and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*...more
Featuring ~ single 1st person POV, multiple timelines, multiple narrators, very tennis-y, Spanish speaking with no translation, grief, death in 3.25⭐
Featuring ~ single 1st person POV, multiple timelines, multiple narrators, very tennis-y, Spanish speaking with no translation, grief, death in the family
This very popular author is hit or miss for me ~ this one was more of a hit than a miss, but still didn't love it. Evelyn was my favorite.
Narrated by Stacy Gonzalez, Mary Carillo, Patrick McEnroe, Rob Simmelkjaer, Brendan Wayne, Max Meyers, Reynaldo Piniella, Vidish Athavale, Tom Bromhead, Heath Miller, Julia Whelan, Sara Arrington for 10 hours and 30 minutes, easy to follow at 2-2.5x. I really enjoyed the added sound effects.
*Shorter library Libby loan review and this author has enough hype*...more
4.5⭐ Genre ~ romance Series ~ The Trouble with Weddings Publication date ~ September 22, 2022 Page Count ~ 180 POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ brothers best fr4.5⭐ Genre ~ romance Series ~ The Trouble with Weddings Publication date ~ September 22, 2022 Page Count ~ 180 POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ brothers best friend, best friends sister, tropical island setting, infidelity references, second chance, some steamage
The final book in the The Trouble with Weddings series. Most enjoyable when read in order.
Poppy and Scott broke up a year ago due to a misunderstanding. With a little help from his friends, Scott is trying a last ditch effort to get Poppy to listen to his side of what really happened. I wish she would've listened to him sooner and not wasted a year apart.
Poppy and Scott are both really sweet characters and you could just tell they were meant to be together. I liked how Freya was brought into the story this time and I loved the epilogue with the flash forward that gave us an update on other characters too.
A quick and steamy read in true Kaylee fashion. I can't wait to see what new series story lines she comes up with next.
*Thanks to Kaylee Monroe and Booksprout for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Featuring ~ single 1st person POV, dual timeline, reality tv show, island life, animal death for survival purposes
Maddy is our ma3.5 stars rounded up.
Featuring ~ single 1st person POV, dual timeline, reality tv show, island life, animal death for survival purposes
Maddy is our main narrator as we follow her on an island with a bunch of strangers. Some characters were just down right mean, but I guess you have to do what you have to do in order to survive.
The story switches between present time in an interview and past time on the island. It was difficult for me to know right away which timeline we were in, so I wish there was a title or something to let us know.
There were definitely some suspenseful and intense moments and I got Castaway movie vibes at times. All in all, a fine read and I'd give this author a whirl again.
Narrated by Esme Sears for 11 hours and 16 minutes, easy to follow at 2.5x. She did a good job.
Featuring ~ friends to lovers, fast burn and slow burn, infidelity
Zoey and Gee have been friends for a few years when they decide to 3.5 ⭐ rounded up.
Featuring ~ friends to lovers, fast burn and slow burn, infidelity
Zoey and Gee have been friends for a few years when they decide to make their relationship friends with benefits.
Zoey was really frustrating me quite a bit. I wanted her to open her eyes about Keegan! and about Gee too. Gee was such a sweet guy. He patiently waited a long time for Zoey to realize her feelings. I’m glad she finally did because you could just see how deeply he cared for her with his actions.
This was a spicy, quick day read. I am saying it’s fast burn because there’s some action at 1%, but it’s also slow burn because it takes a while for them to truly get together.
*Thanks to Grey’s Promotions and Carmen Lawrence for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Featuring ~ single 3rd person POV, eating disorder references, grief, cancer references, death of a close family member
Sisters, Dolly and Greta, hav4⭐
Featuring ~ single 3rd person POV, eating disorder references, grief, cancer references, death of a close family member
Sisters, Dolly and Greta, have a tradition every year to go to a lost luggage auction and bid on a suitcase to give each other as Christmas presents. This year Dolly is on her own since Greta has passed away. Dolly has been in a bit of a funk these last few months ~ she hasn't been properly taking care of herself or her house, and this auction was a small effort to get back out there. Is a lost luggage auction really something? It sounds fun.
Dolly is an interesting one ~ her best friends are Maurice, a fish, and Flo who is 11 years old and Leroy. Flo is having trouble fitting in with her peers and Leroy is still sad about his recent breakup with his boyfriend, Tony. They have a great friend dynamic and lift each other up. I liked how they had dance parties in their living room while a record played in the background. There's a bit of a story within the story as we read Phoebe's diary entries, which leads to the meat of the story ~ a list of firsts.
After a bit of a slow start for me, it eventually did pick up and I really enjoyed the beauty of the story. I was delighted to be blindsided by a few twists ~ the biggie I did figure out, but the other two were nice ones. Dolly and Phoebe came into each others lives at exactly the right time. They needed each other in very different ways to help heal. All in all, an uplifting, feel good, heartfelt story.
*Thanks to Boldwood Books, Samantha Tonge and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Featuring ~ single 1st person POV, friends to lovers, fake dating, small town, slow burn, Christmas
Stella has entered a contes4.25⭐ for the audiobook.
Featuring ~ single 1st person POV, friends to lovers, fake dating, small town, slow burn, Christmas
Stella has entered a contest to try to save a Christmas tree farm. The only problem is is that she said she owns the place with her boyfriend, but there is no boyfriend. Stella and Luka have been best friends for years, so what could go wrong when she asks him if he'll be her fake boyfriend in order to win the prize money?
This was a really cute and delightful debut. Stella bugged me for a minute at the end there, but it all worked out just as we knew it would. The epilogue was a nice addition with Luka's perspective. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
Narrated by Pippa Jayne for 10 hours and 16 minutes, easy to follow at 2x. Not overly in love with her male voice, but I've heard worse over the years.
*Thanks to Dreamscape Media, B.K. Borison and NetGalley for the advance audiobook. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Featuring ~ single 1st person POV, dual timeline, enemies to lovers, pranks, characters in their 20's, clean romance, body shamin4⭐ for the audiobook.
Featuring ~ single 1st person POV, dual timeline, enemies to lovers, pranks, characters in their 20's, clean romance, body shaming, farm life, no steamage
Kelsey and Cade didn't get off on the right foot when they were in second grade, which led to years of pranks. Kelsey went off to college and leaves the pranks behind.
Now she's back in her hometown helping her parents on the farm all while planning her wedding to Parker. She wasn't expecting to have to work side by side with Cade for a whole summer. One thing leads to another and they're back to their old pranking ways. You know that old saying that when a boy picks on you it means they like you.
I enjoyed this one. I thought it was super cute and fun. Kelsey kept a journal and noted all the pranks, which was a great addition to the story. Most characters were lovable, expect Parker and his family.
Narrated by Stefanie Kay for 8 hours and 48 minutes, easy to follow at 2x. I thought she did a wonderful job.
*Thanks to Dreamscape Media, Cindy Steel and NetGalley for the advance audiobook. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Book 5 in the Bratva Brothers series ~it's best to read these in order. Something happened in book 4 that ties into this one.
Featuring ~ dual 1st persBook 5 in the Bratva Brothers series ~it's best to read these in order. Something happened in book 4 that ties into this one.
Featuring ~ dual 1st person POV, tattooed dangerous man, Russian mafia, single mom, fake dating
Sadie is on a hike alone when shots ring out and she stumbles upon a man with a gunshot wound to the head. She calls 911 and stays by his bedside until he wakes up...6 weeks later. That's quite a long time for someone to stick around when she doesn't even know him....or does she?
When Dmitri wakes up from a coma he has plenty of questions, but the first one is ~ who is the cute brunette that's sitting at his bedside? He was found without a wallet, phone or keys so he's deemed a John Doe and that's how he wants to keep it for now while he tries to figure out which of his 'friends' shot him and left him for dead.
In true Willow form we get a quick read with a protective and dangerous, yet sweet at times, hero. It's light on the mafia and heavy on the chemistry.
*Thanks to Willow Fox and Booksprout for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Featuring ~ dual 1st person POV, baseball, brothers best friend, best friends sister, childhood sweethearts, friends to lovers, slow burn, death 4.25⭐
Featuring ~ dual 1st person POV, baseball, brothers best friend, best friends sister, childhood sweethearts, friends to lovers, slow burn, death of a sibling, characters in their early 20's, second chance
Wils is an All Star baseball player on the injured list. He had a contract drafted to do his rehab close to his former girlfriend, Kenni. (I didn't love some of the things written in his contract, but I suppose I see why he did it.) He is the cinnamoness of all cinnamon rolls. He's so down to earth for being a celebrity in the baseball world. In fact all the baseball players in this book give off the same vibe.
Kenni has a great job as the PR rep for the Sarasota Sharks, a minor league team. She is still hurting 8 years after her brother, Jack's, death. Grief had her ghosting her only love, Wils, so she's shocked to see him step into her office after all this time.
I loved these two so much. They were adorable and totally meant to be. They seemed very mature for their ages of 22 and 24, and they drink wine. At that age you could find me shooting Alabama Slammers, not sipping a bold Cabernet.
What happened to Jack is HEARTBREAKING and what Wils and Kenni do to honor him is amazing! There was a delightful surprise that happened towards the end that really brought the whole story to home plate.
A wonderful start to a series. All the side characters were a great addition to the story and I can't wait to read more about them. Next up ~ Patricks's book, which was set up perfectly at the end of this one.
*Thanks to Kristin Lee and BookSirens for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Featuring ~ dual 3rd person POV, single mom, cheating ex-husband, absentee father NOT enemies to lovers as it states in the blurb ~ not sure why i3.25⭐
Featuring ~ dual 3rd person POV, single mom, cheating ex-husband, absentee father NOT enemies to lovers as it states in the blurb ~ not sure why it says that at all, did I take a snooze while I was reading?
Oh the joys of living in a community with a HOA.
Amelia is trying to start over with her 2 children after her divorce. She moves into a neighborhood and right off the bat she has an enemy in Carla, (they don't get together so that's not the enemy part). Carla has a problem with the gnome in their front yard ~ the gnome that she promised her kids she'd display as a way to ease into their new life. Now Amelia has a fight on her hands ~ can she convince the HOA to change the by-laws?
HOA president, Kyle, is easy on the eyes and trying to keep the peace in the hood. He was never interested in being around children, but can't help but befriend Amelia, Jacob and Chloe. An attraction is there, but can they make this work?
Overall, I wasn't wowed, but I did like that Amelia was such a great mom. There were some really heartfelt moments between them and she said all the right things. I didn't really care for any of the characters, Amelia's friends and her next door neighbor were okay, but Carla was just awful.
I was fortunate enough to receive a kindle copy and the audiobook to review. I started out listening to it, then switched to my kindle, then back again and ultimately I preferred the kindle, so that's how I tackled most of it.
Narrated by Eva Wilhelm for 8 hours and 34 minutes. I was not overly in love with her narration, she sounded robotic at times. I really wish there was a male narrator.
*Thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Dreamscape Media, the author and NetGalley for the ARC and the audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Featuring ~ dual 3rd person POV, single mom, cheating ex-husband, absentee father NOT enemies to lovers as it states in the blurb ~ not sure why i3.25⭐
Featuring ~ dual 3rd person POV, single mom, cheating ex-husband, absentee father NOT enemies to lovers as it states in the blurb ~ not sure why it says that at all, did I take a snooze while I was reading?
Oh the joys of living in a community with a HOA.
Amelia is trying to start over with her 2 children after her divorce. She moves into a neighborhood and right off the bat she has an enemy in Carla, (they don't get together so that's not the enemy part). Carla has a problem with the gnome in their front yard ~ the gnome that she promised her kids she'd display as a way to ease into their new life. Now Amelia has a fight on her hands ~ can she convince the HOA to change the by-laws?
HOA president, Kyle, is easy on the eyes and trying to keep the peace in the hood. He was never interested in being around children, but can't help but befriend Amelia, Jacob and Chloe. An attraction is there, but can they make this work?
Overall, I wasn't wowed, but I did like that Amelia was such a great mom. There were some really heartfelt moments between them and she said all the right things. I didn't really care for any of the characters, Amelia's friends and her next door neighbor were okay, but Carla was just awful.
I was fortunate enough to receive a kindle copy and the audiobook to review. I started out listening to it, then switched to my kindle, then back again and ultimately I preferred the kindle, so that's how I tackled most of it.
Narrated by Eva Wilhelm for 8 hours and 34 minutes. I was not overly in love with her narration, she sounded robotic at times. I really wish there was a male narrator.
*Thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Dreamscape Media, the author and NetGalley for the ARC and the audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Book 3 in an interconnected series ~ best when read after book 1 and 2.
Featuring ~ dual 1st person POV, Vegas wedding, only one bed, forced prox4.25⭐
Book 3 in an interconnected series ~ best when read after book 1 and 2.
Featuring ~ dual 1st person POV, Vegas wedding, only one bed, forced proximity, childhood sweethearts, reunited lovers, second chance, steamage
Dom and Valentina's history goes back two decades to when they were 16. They can never seem to get their act together and make their relationship work. When they drunkenly get hitched in Vegas they're ready to get it annulled asap, but their Italian parents have another idea ~ take 3 months to try to make it work.
Dom is a workaholic, leaving no time for a social life. He only has one thing on his mind ~ making as much money as he can, leaving no time for a wife. But can forced proximity make him realize he can have both a career and a family?
As with Carm, in the previous book, it really took me a long time to warm up to Dom too. Finally hearing his full side of the story helped me fall in love with him. I'll be honest though I did perk up when it was implied that he's left handed ~ I have a weird thing about that. ...more
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