4⭐ Genre ~ romantic comedy Series ~ Falling for Summer #1 Setting ~ Island off the coast of Florida Publication date ~ ebook ~ June 12, 2024, audio ~ July4⭐ Genre ~ romantic comedy Series ~ Falling for Summer #1 Setting ~ Island off the coast of Florida Publication date ~ ebook ~ June 12, 2024, audio ~ July 21, 2024 Publisher ~ Dreamscape Media Est Page Count ~ 364 (41 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 8 hours 37 minutes Narrators ~ Amanda Friday & Andy Harrington POV ~ dual 1st, present tense Featuring ~ small town, island life, pro golfer, best friends brother, sisters best friend, forbidden, off limits, slow burn, no steamage
Jane & Walker Jane is ready to settle down and find love on the island she adores. She uses popular book tropes to set the tone. And boy do we hear the word trope a bunch, a bit too much obsessively tropey for me. But now her school crush is back in town putting a damper on her plans to find love this summer.
Walker is ready to get his golf game back on track after an injury. He’s not interested in being on the island any longer than he needs to, but his sister's best friend catches his eye. Will the fun times they have together make him change his mind and stay? Or is hanging with Brooks Koepka and Tiger Woods more appleaing? That’d be a yes to Brooks for me, wink wink.
I could’ve gone without the time wasting because of the sister crap, but overall this was cute, had some nice banter and a great series starter. I’m looking forward to seeing what’s in store for the rest of the island peeps.
Narration notes: Duet!! Whoop whoop! Both of their voices were pleasing to my ears.
3.5⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Setting ~ Tennessee Publication date ~ July 4, 2024 Est Page Count ~ 343 (49 chapters) POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ titled c3.5⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Setting ~ Tennessee Publication date ~ July 4, 2024 Est Page Count ~ 343 (49 chapters) POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ titled chapters, home renovations, small town, high school sweethearts, slow burn, second chance, minimal steamage, family drama, mentions of loss of parent to cancer and to a freak accident
Torran & Beck (love the unusual names) Torran and her business partner, Manny, have a home renovation business that focuses on restoring the legacy of old homes. She has her eye on a home on Huckleberry Lane and is super mad when she's outbid at the auction. The anger rises when she learns the man who bought it is the one that broke her teenage heart 10 years ago, Beck.
Beck wasn't planning on buying his childhood home, but gets swept up in the thought that bringing his sister, Piper, back to Ivy Falls will help her struggles with alcohol and drug addiction. Beck feels responsible for his parents untimely death and has made it his mission to over~protectively take care of his 24 year old sister. While I can appreciate how he felt Piper was his responsibility, I just feel like that took up too much of the story and took away from him and Torran finding their way back to each other seamlessly.
Torran has a wonderful relationship with her sister, Tessa, her 2 nieces, and business partner, Manny, but a rocky one with her father. While she's a very successful businesswoman, she does come off as immature and stuck in the past at times. I wish she would've gotten out of the tunnel a lot sooner than she did. Beck was frustrating to me, as well. Don't even get me started on the 3rd act break up.
Overall, as far as second chances goes this one fits the bill. I enjoyed the introduction of the small town of Ivy Falls. I'm pretty sure I know who book 2 will be about and I'm all for it, so fingers crossed it's who I hope it is and I don't have to wait too long for it.
*Thanks to the author and Rachel's Random Resources for my copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
4⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Sullivan Brothers #1 Setting ~ North Carolina Publication date ~ October 15, 2020 Est Page Count ~ 89 (17 chapters4⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Sullivan Brothers #1 Setting ~ North Carolina Publication date ~ October 15, 2020 Est Page Count ~ 89 (17 chapters +e) POV ~ dual 3rd Featuring ~ small business owners, small town, business neighbors to lovers, no steamage
Audrey & Drew She owns a failing bookstore and he's just opened up a yarn shop right next door.
This was really cute. Both characters were really sweet. In fact, the whole town had some great characters, especially the elderly lady group. I loved the solution to her financial troubles. There were some time jumps that didn't make this seem like insta love, which I'm not usually a fan of, so that was good. Overall, a quick and easy read.
Yay for finally reading one that's been chilling on my kindle since 2020.
3.5⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ January Cove, #1 Setting ~ Georgia Publication date ~ book ~ March 22, 2013, audio ~ November 14, 2023 Est Page 3.5⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ January Cove, #1 Setting ~ Georgia Publication date ~ book ~ March 22, 2013, audio ~ November 14, 2023 Est Page Count ~ 210 (12 chapters) Audio length ~ 3 hours 53 minutes Narrator ~ Mallory Fuccella POV ~ dual 3rd Featuring ~ small town, single mother, second chance, no steamage, references to past abuse
Jenna & Kyle were high school sweethearts, but her parents forced her to break up with him. Now years later she's a divorced single mother who can't catch a break and is very much in debt. A little too woe is me with her for me to be honest.
Kyle is a wealthy property investor. He's just purchased a foreclosed house with beautiful beach views. When he goes to tell the owner to vacate the premises he's in for the shock of his life when he sees it's the woman who broke his heart all those years ago.
Overall, a nice second chance story for two people that never really got over each other. Can't say I liked the reason for the breakup, or the quickness of their reconciliation, but I loved how Kyle welcomed 5 year old, Kaitlyn, into his life in an adorable way.
*Another Hoopla bonus borrow*
Narration notes: Ugh with only one narrator. She didn't even try to make her voice should manly, which maybe is a good thing. Either way I would have loved a male narrator.
3.5⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Maple Creek Romantic Comedy #1 Setting ~ Virginia Publication date ~ book ~ December 6, 2020, audio ~ July 28, 3.5⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Maple Creek Romantic Comedy #1 Setting ~ Virginia Publication date ~ book ~ December 6, 2020, audio ~ July 28, 2023 Est Page Count ~ 104 (9 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 2 hours 10 minutes Narrators ~ Mari Bee, Jon Brattin POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ police chief, floral shop owner, small town, fake engagement, no steamage
Layla & Will had a smooch when they were in 7th grade, but nothing ever came of it. Now they're in their 20's. He's fresh off a divorce and she doesn't do commitments, so what was she thinking telling her mother they were engaged?
There's a side robbery that being investigated. The culprit was not shocking in the least bit. We're introduced to side characters Onyx and Tanner, our main characters great bffs, who are the focus of the next book in the series.
I'm never a fan of the dreaded 3rd act breakup and my heart was so sad during this one, but on the positive side the reasoning was fully communicated, so at least they know how to talk to each other.
Overall, it was cute and sweet, but I wish it was a little longer. I love the title, too.
4⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ The Donovans: Sweetbriar Ridge, #3 Others in the series ~ #1-3 + an extra book Setting ~ Virginia Publication date4⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ The Donovans: Sweetbriar Ridge, #3 Others in the series ~ #1-3 + an extra book Setting ~ Virginia Publication date ~ May 21, 2024 Est Page Count ~ 289 (14 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 7 hours 32 minutes Narrator ~ Carly Robins POV ~ dual 3rd Featuring ~ teachers, small town, no steamage, references to a deceased sibling
Chloe & Tanner Tanner lives in NY and is a retired pro skier turned teacher. He wants to teach 5th grade, but when a job opportunity comes up for kindergarten in Sweetbriar, Virginia he decides to get his foot in the door and some experience under his belt since this would be his first teaching job.
Chloe is kindergarten teacher of the year for 2 years running. Will this handsome stranger give her some competition, or will she hold the title once again?
If you've read the other books you know there's always a little bit of family drama, but it wasn't as bad in this one, so woo hoo for that.
Both characters are sweet and I felt their attraction towardseach other. I liked the business adventure they're embarking on together. The 3rd act breakup was awfully childish, but it was still an enjoyable read overall.
Series notes: This series follows siblings, so I suggest reading them in order so that you can familiarize yourself with the family and know who's who and what's what.
Narration notes: Carly narrates all of Samantha's books, so I'm used to her lovely narration (even though I'd like a male narrator).
4⭐ Genre ~contemporary fiction Series ~Love Lindisfarne, #2 Others in the series ~ Love Lindisfarne Setting ~ Northumberland Publication date ~ May 23, 204⭐ Genre ~contemporary fiction Series ~Love Lindisfarne, #2 Others in the series ~ Love Lindisfarne Setting ~ Northumberland Publication date ~ May 23, 2024 Page Count ~ 324 (p+ 54 chapters +e) POV ~ single 1st Featuring ~ short chapters, awful side character, small town, island life, slow burn, no steamage
Ellie & Zen are still getting to know each other after they gave me the slowest burn of my life in Love Lindisfarne. Their story is progressing realistically, but not without some jealously which stems from their past experiences.
Awful Isla is back and causing quite the stir and thankfully gets the ending she deserves.
While I didn't lovedy love love this one like I did the previous book I still quite enjoyed revisiting the sweet island of Lindisfarne and the lovely set of characters that live there. I liked that Ellie's London friends have popped in for a visit and have a grand old time getting to know everyone.
I definitely recommend this series if you're looking for a slow burn, clean romance with a side of witty one liners and adorable animals.
Series notes: This is a continuation of Ellie and Zen's story from Love Lindisfarne, and what's happening on the island, so I definitely recommend reading that one first. You meet all the wonderful characters that are heavily involved in both installments.
4⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Setting ~ Brown Oaks (no clue where that is) Publication date ~ February 1, 2024 Page Count ~ 327 (35 chapters +e) POV ~ si4⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Setting ~ Brown Oaks (no clue where that is) Publication date ~ February 1, 2024 Page Count ~ 327 (35 chapters +e) POV ~ single 1st Featuring ~ small town, slow burn, grumpy/sunshine, enemies~ish to lovers, workplace romance, no steamage
Tess (28) works at a greeting card company that has hired Aaron as a cyber security consultant for 6 months. They don't get off on the right foot because Tess can't help clicking on adorable cat videos, which prove to be a scam and the whole reason Aaron is there in the first place.
Tess is sassy and not afraid to speak her mind. She had a wonderful relationship with her family and I especially loved her grandma and her beef with 'the google'. Also, enjoyed her friendship with Sofia and Kenzie and I love what happened with them in the end. I do have to mention that Tess has a boyfriend for a good portion of the book who is a real tool. There is no cheating on her part, but I do wish she would have broken up with him sooner, so we could have had more on the budding relationship of our main characters.
I do love me a good grump and Aaron was a good one. He takes his job very seriously. He has a sad backstory and I didn't like how he let his past affect the decisions he makes now, but all turns out well of course. He was really sweet when he wasn't grumping.
Overall, I had a good time reading this. The banter is on point and the slow burning romance was cute to watch unfold. Looking forward to reading with Lara writes next.
Side note ~ I am so pleased we got to catch up with Nina and Lucas from All the Lost Pieces to see how their life has progressed.
*Thanks to the author for sending me a copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
4.5⭐ Genre ~ contemporary holiday romance Series ~ Christmas Escape Others in the series ~ are from different authors Setting ~ New York and Vermont Public4.5⭐ Genre ~ contemporary holiday romance Series ~ Christmas Escape Others in the series ~ are from different authors Setting ~ New York and Vermont Publication date ~ book ~ November 2, 2022, audio ~ October 3, 2023 Page Count ~ 344 (p+ 27 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 9 hours 59 minutes Narrator ~ Justis Bolding POV ~ single 1st Featuring ~ teachers, enemies~ish to lovers, fake dating, no steamage, no 3rd act breakup
Olive (25) and Miles work together at a high school in New York. They didn't get off on the right foot when he started teaching there, so she considers him an enemy of sorts. I didn't really get much enemy vibes to be honest.
Now it's time for Christmas break and Olive is off to Vermont to spend a week with her family, which includes her mother's new husband, Russ. A man she married just 8 months after Olive's father passed away after a cancer battle only last Christmas. Needless to say she's not looking forward to it. On top of that her mother invited her ex-boyfriend, Glen, who she has no interest in getting back together with. Before she can even stop herself she's telling her family she already has a boyfriend named Miles.
Guess who's parents own the resort they are staying at? You guessed it, Miles. Luckily he's down with the fake dating plan, so they have a fun filled week of doing wintery things. I felt the bitter cold Vermont air coming off the pages.
This was so adorable and fun and sweet and cute and funny. The teasing is good natured and the characters are mature and relatable AND they know how to communicate! I would totally watch this if it was made into a Hallmark movie and that's not usually my jam.
Narration notes: Justis did a great job. I have no complaints.
4.5⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ The Donovans: Sweetbriar Ridge Others in the series Setting ~ Virginia Publication date ~ April 23, 2024 Page Cou4.5⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ The Donovans: Sweetbriar Ridge Others in the series Setting ~ Virginia Publication date ~ April 23, 2024 Page Count ~ audio exclusive for now, book will not come out until 2025 Audio length ~ 8 hours 8 minutes Narrator ~ Carly Robins POV ~ dual 3rd Featuring ~ small town, strangers to roommates, roommates to lovers, workplace romance, insta-love, no steamage
Devin & MacKenzie meet when her classic car breaks down on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere, in a storm to boot. Devin just so happens to be the best mechanic in town, so he can't help but offer his services to a damsel in distress.
Side note ~ I do have to mention that her GPS didn't seem to be working because the route doesn't make a whole lot of sense. She's going from New York to Oregon, but ends up in Virginia. Perhaps taking the scenic route?
Due to a festival there isn't a room to rent in the whole town, so MacKenzie reluctantly accepts Devin's offer of his spare room. Not because he's creepy, but she doesn't want to be a burden due to her unresolved mommy issues. But the room, or the labor for her car, doesn't come for free as she'll be working in his shop at the front desk.
Per usual with this series we have full on small town vibes and outsider, MacKenzie, is welcomed with open arms by all. I love that there was a festival everyone was looking forward to attending. I'm not big on festivals, but even I would like to go to it, minus the ferris wheel as I'm not a fan of those, give me a roller coaster any day.
Anyway, a smidgen of no communication, as usual, but overall I liked both of them separately and as a couple. They were both so sweet. His grand gesture might have been one of the most adorable ones I've read.
Narration notes: Carly narrates all of Samantha's books, so my ears are settled with the fact that I'll never get a second narrator for the male parts. She does a great job, though, so that's good at least.
Series notes: This one is a little different in this series because neither character is a Donovan, but it takes place in Sweetbriar Ridge, so we still interact with some of the Donovans. It's unnumbered and is best read between Teasing You and Wanting You.
*Thanks to the author, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
4⭐ Genre ~ contemporary fiction Series ~ The Ever After Street Series #3 Others in the series ~ #1-3 Setting ~ UK Publication date ~ May 24, 2024 Page Count4⭐ Genre ~ contemporary fiction Series ~ The Ever After Street Series #3 Others in the series ~ #1-3 Setting ~ UK Publication date ~ May 24, 2024 Page Count ~ 314 (21 chapters) Audio length ~ 10 hours 57 minutes Narrator ~ Emma Noakes POV ~ single 1st Featuring ~ lies, small town, slow burn, no steamage
Cleo’s dream is to open up an Alice in Wonderland themed tearoom on Ever After Street. She aces the interview and is offered a 3 month probation period for the space. She wasn’t all that truthful, so now she has to figure out how she’ll make her dream come true.
Bram is a quirky fella that is working in the tearoom as the Mad Hatter. He plays the part fabulously and might just be catching the eye of his very own Alice. I found him to be quite the delight.
Of course we have a couple unbearable characters that I'd like to send rolling down the street in a barrel.
I think I’ve watched just about every Disney movie except Alice in Wonderland, how crazy is that? Haven't read it either. Since I’m not familiar with it I’ll just assume it was properly depicted. I enjoyed the magic of it all.
My favorite part of the whole series is how every character on Ever After Street is so helpful and supportive of each other. When Cleo is blackmailed every single resident steps in and does whatever they can to help her out.
Somewhat repetitive and predictable, but an enjoyable addition to the series nonetheless.
Series notes: While I don’t think it’s fully necessary to read the first 2 books it would be more enjoyable if you do so. Marnie from book 2 is Cleo’s best friend, so she pops in quite often to lend a hand and an ear. There wasn’t much interaction with book 1 characters, but they are referenced.
Narration notes: I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
4.5⭐ Genre ~ Holiday fiction Series ~ Blitzen Bay #1 Setting ~ California Publication date ~ August 6, 2021 Page Count ~ 266 (39 chapters + 3 e’s) Audio len4.5⭐ Genre ~ Holiday fiction Series ~ Blitzen Bay #1 Setting ~ California Publication date ~ August 6, 2021 Page Count ~ 266 (39 chapters + 3 e’s) Audio length ~ 5 hours 58 minutes Narrators ~ Stella Hunter, Robert Hatchet POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ college student, ex military, small town, no steamage
Noelle (23) & Nash (27) Noelle is having second thoughts about marrying Steve, so with only 25 minutes before the ceremony she hightailed it outta there, vial flying and right in the back of Nash’s truck. With barely a second guess he drives her away and to the quaint town of Blitzen Bay.
I am not even a super big fan of Christmas, but I totally want to visit Blitzen Bay. What an adorable sounding small town. It does take place during Christmas week, but it’s not overly Christmasy. My only gripe is that I don’t love when Christmas sounding names are in my Christmas books, ie: Noelle & Holly.
Overall, this was super adorable. A bit of slow burn, but not really. You’ll just have to read it to see what I mean.
*Thanks to Donna Schwartze, Victory Editing and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
3.75⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ The Donovans: Sweetbriar Ridge, #2 Others in the series ~ Loving You Setting ~ Virginia Publication date ~ Marc3.75⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ The Donovans: Sweetbriar Ridge, #2 Others in the series ~ Loving You Setting ~ Virginia Publication date ~ March 26, 2024 Est page Count ~ 300 (16 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 7 hours 52 minutes Narrator ~ Carly Robins POV ~ dual 3rd Featuring ~ hair stylist, firefighter, smalltown, close proximity, neighbors to lovers, no steamage
Ashlynn & Reid went to high school together, but meet again at their best friends's engagement party years later. She's not too thrilled to see him, but perhaps he can charm his way into her life again.
As you can read from the blurb there's some drama when she's accused of arson, which doesn't bode well for Reid as the newbie at the fire department. Does he handle it well? Initially yes, but then nope. Does he eventually redeem himself in a hilarious manner? Sure does.
Overall, I enjoyed this one. Reid's a pretty sweet guy. Ashlynn was fine, but I'm not feeling the added drama with her parents, which I have a feeling with continue to carry over into the rest of the series.
Series notes: This series follows siblings, so I suggest reading them in order so that you can familiarize yourself with the family and know who's who and what's what. If you want to go above and beyond read The Donovans: Laurel Bay series first since this series is a spin off from that one.
Narration notes: Carly does a great job, but it's not a shocker that I'd like a male narrator too.
*Thanks to the author, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
4.5⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Aspen Grove #1 Others in the series ~ If You Give a Grump a Holiday Wishlist #0.5 Setting ~ Maine Publication da4.5⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Aspen Grove #1 Others in the series ~ If You Give a Grump a Holiday Wishlist #0.5 Setting ~ Maine Publication date ~ March 14, 2024 Est page Count ~ (37 chapters +e) POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ small town, billionaire CFO, single dad, artist, nanny, age gap, grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract, neighbors to lovers, slow burn, some steamge, no 3rd act breakup
Dylan (33) & Marlow (23) don't get off on the right foot when her dog, Waffles, trespasses in his backyard. Flash forward one year later and Marlow becomes 6 year old Lola's nanny.
Book boyfriend alert! Dylan is most definitely a guy you’d want around when you’re sick as he’s a wonderful caretaker. He cooks and cleans, and even bakes muffins before 6am after he's had his workout. He works a bit too much, but he's such a devoted dad, and Lola is absolutely adorable and so well behaved.
Marlow is an artist and a bright spot of sunshine. Her relationship with Lola was wonderful. She has a strained relationship with her parents, but has found a great support system with Dylan's family, which was really nice to see.
Overall, I had a really great time reading this one. We've got the set up for the next book that seems like it'll be a lot of fun.
Series notes: This series follows siblings, so although not absolutely necessary I think you should read If You Give a Grump a Holiday Wishlist first because not only is it delightful, but you'll get to meet the whole clan because they're pretty involved as a tight knit family.
*Thanks to the author for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
3.5⭐ Genre ~ romantic comedy Setting ~ Washington DC & Maryland Publication date ~ April 30, 2024 Page Count ~ 416 (38 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 9 hours 3.5⭐ Genre ~ romantic comedy Setting ~ Washington DC & Maryland Publication date ~ April 30, 2024 Page Count ~ 416 (38 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 9 hours 0 minutes Narrator ~ Mara Wilson POV ~ single 3rd Featuring ~ con-artist, paranormal, small town, farm life, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, opposites attract, slow burn, minimal steamage
Gretchen has perfected cons by 'speaking' to dead people. She's so convincing that her fancy client has hired her to help her bridge playing friend, Charlie, get rid of a suspected ghost that's not making selling the farm easy.
Gretchen's met her match because Charlie is having none of her lies, except this time she's not lying and she really does see the infamous ghost of Gilded Creek Goat Farm and his name is Everett. He agrees to let her stay for one month, but she'll need to help out around the farm every day. Turns out the farm isn't very profitable, but leave it to Gretchen to come up with some great ideas to get it in the black. I enjoyed watching her step into her yellow rain boots and take on every task given to her.
I said in one of my updates that I'm slightly in love with Everett. He's such a fun ghost and I totally would've let him rock my world back in the 1920's. Poor thing is so bored, all he wants to do is watch TV when he's not trying to scare potential buyers. Can you blame him though? He hasn't had anyone to talk to in nearly 100 years and finally someone can see him and listen to him yabber on for ages. You can't help but feel bad for him, but then slightly mad at him towards the end.
I'm normally down with a grump, but Charlie is a little too mean to Gretchen sometimes, which took me an extra minute to warm up to him. But after I heard his backstory, witnessed his sweetness towards his grandfather and read his memories of the times he spent with his grandma, he grew on me, mismatched and long sleeved sweaters and all.
Some downsides for me are that the plot only takes place for about a month, and there's a lot jammed packed in that month, but this felt so long and it took me quite a while to get through (2 weeks!). I don't feel like their relationship progressed realistically either. Their first whomp was really weird. I could have went without the stuff with her father as I don't feel like it was wrapped up nicely at all. A few chapters from Charlies POV would have been helpful.
Overall, there's a good amount of wit and TV show references that kept me entertained.
*Thanks to the author, Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Narration notes: I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
2.5⭐ Genre ~ contemporary fiction Setting ~ France Publication date ~ October 20, 2023 Est page Count ~ 346 (40 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 10 hours 2 minu2.5⭐ Genre ~ contemporary fiction Setting ~ France Publication date ~ October 20, 2023 Est page Count ~ 346 (40 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 10 hours 2 minutes Narrator ~ Karen Cass POV ~ dual 3rd Featuring ~ small town, single dad, age gap (30 & 39), slow burn, no steamage
Luna & Yannick Luna heads to France in search of information as to why a man she doesn't know left his money to her. Her mother has passed, so she can't ask the urn of ashes along for the ride.
Yannick is a trained mountain rescuer, so he's happy to help out an out of towner when she runs out of gas. We tag along on some of his rescues, too.
I try not to let a narrator sway my rating as I like to base my thoughts on the actual story, but I feel like I just might have enjoyed this a little better had I read it. (More on that below.) Or perhaps not because I wasn't really feeling the chemistry with them. Maybe because it was a super slow burn on the romance front and more about finding out who left her the loot. I did like the friendship Luna made with Sylvia and the grief Yannick was feeling felt relatable.
It's a wintery, not a Christmasy, read and the atmosphere was spot on. I had to listen while I was snuggled in my blankie with my fuzzie socks on because I could just feel how cold it was there. The cover is adorable, too.
Narration notes: Double whammy ~ Karen is British and doing French accents, so my American ears struggled to stay focused.
4.35⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ The Ever After Street Series, #2 Others in the series ~ A Midnight Kiss on Ever After Street Setting ~ Englan4.35⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ The Ever After Street Series, #2 Others in the series ~ A Midnight Kiss on Ever After Street Setting ~ England Publication date ~ January 11, 2024 Est page Count ~ 330 (22 chapters) POV ~ single 1st Featuring ~ grumpy/sunshine, small town, slow burn, no 3rd act breakup, no steamage
I am thrilled to be back on Ever After Street for a A Beauty and the Beast retelling.
Told solely by Marnie who owns A Tale As Old As Time, a bookshop. Darcy owns The Beast's Enchanted Rose Garden, the flower shop next door.
Marnie is an introvert who would love to have a successful business with little hassle, so she can just curl up with Mrs. Potts, the cat, and read the day away. But sadly the bookshop is in danger of being shut down, so Marnie has to act fast and figure out how she can save it. Luckily she comes up with some nice ideas that turn out to be a big hit.
Darcy is a grump with a guarded big heart, who understandably has trouble letting people in. You can just tell he wants to be accepted even if he thinks he doesn't deserve to be. Slowly, very slowly, he realizes he can trust her with his true self. Their ballroom scene was just magical and I was singing while they were dancing
All of the friends on the quaint street are a delight and come together to lend a helping hand. We meet Cleo, who is lovely as well, and will be the star of the next book in the series. Gaston, I mean Rick, was a real douche canoe that needed a good swift kick to the rear.
Overall, it's totally predictable, but that in no way took away from my enjoyment.
Side note ~ British sayings are the best ~ the cat was "making pie on my knees." The same thing in the USA would be "mixing bread."
Series notes: I suppose not mandatory to read A Midnight Kiss on Ever After Street first, but the 2 characters make a some appearances here, so you might as well just read it.
*Thanks to the author, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
4.5⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance, romantic comedy Series ~ Ponderosa Resort Romantic Comedies, #1 Setting ~ Oregon Publication date ~ November 27, 2017 Es4.5⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance, romantic comedy Series ~ Ponderosa Resort Romantic Comedies, #1 Setting ~ Oregon Publication date ~ November 27, 2017 Est page Count ~ 188 (13 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 4 hours 46 minutes Narrators ~ Nelson Hobbs, Teri Schnaubelt POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ small town, military man, veterinarian farmer, minimal steamage
I'm sad this is my last Christmas themed book of the year, but happy I can check another one off the kindle that's been there since December 2021. And I'm happy that I loved it so much!
Jade & Brandon Jade and sister, Amber, own Jingle Bell Reindeer Ranch. How adorable is that? It's a fairly new business that they're trying to get up and running, so they hire Brandon as their Santa. Jade remembers Brandon from high school quite well, but does he remember her and the relentless bullying she went through 13 years ago? Sometimes that stuff is hard to forget.
Brandon is not a big fan of Christmas due to something heartbreaking that happened years ago. He is not the same person he was in high school, I mean who is really? I'm not saying he was awful back then, but now he's so sweet and book boyfriend material for sure. The scenes with his father were really sweet and heartbreaking.
Their chemistry was great. I actually expected a lot more action based on the cover, but there wasn't that much steamage and that was totally fine for them. It was a bit quick on the feelings though.
There was a little mystery to solve, some funny moments and some hard hitting ones to round out this delightful Christmas season read. Adding some reindeer trivia was a nice touch. Their Christmas gifts to each other were just perfect. Definitely recommend.
Narration notes: I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
3.25⭐ Genre ~ holiday novella Series ~ Snowflake Falls #2 Setting ~ not sure, but I don't think the USA with spellings like tyre and humour Publication da3.25⭐ Genre ~ holiday novella Series ~ Snowflake Falls #2 Setting ~ not sure, but I don't think the USA with spellings like tyre and humour Publication date ~ December 4, 2020 Est page Count ~ 52 (8 chapters +e) POV ~ dual 1st, present tense Featuring ~ small town, neighbors, insta love, second chance, minimal steamage
Had this one waiting since December 2020, so I figured I might as well read book 2 right after book 1.
Neva & Elden Neva is back in her hometown after a breakup and getting fired. Elden is still pissed about her standing him up back in high school, so he's not to thrilled when he sees her at the train station freezing her bazookas off waiting for a ride.
Overall, this was fine. I liked it better than the last book. We have a smidgen of drama with the ex and a sleazeball Santa to round out this quick one.
Side note ~ I obviously have not been in every elevator ever constructed, but I have never seen one with a bench. Is that common in the UK or only for this book for some steamage time? And if so, are they located in the middle or against the wall?
2.5⭐ Genre ~ holiday novella Series ~ Snowflake Falls #1 Setting ~ no clue what state we're in, or even if in the USA Publication date ~ November 20, 20202.5⭐ Genre ~ holiday novella Series ~ Snowflake Falls #1 Setting ~ no clue what state we're in, or even if in the USA Publication date ~ November 20, 2020 Est page Count ~ 47 (10 chapters +e) POV ~ dual 1st, present tense Featuring ~ neighbors, small town, insta love, very minimal steamage
Working my way through Christmas books already on my kindle ~ this one's been there since January 2021.
Hollee & Tannen She is a big fan of Christmas and goes all out every year. He's not a fan at all but perhaps the new curvy hottie next door can change his mind.
I really enjoyed Hollee's relationship with her brother, Noel. Yup, Hollee and Noel...their parents really love Christmas apparently. I wonder what their names are ~ Carol and Nick? Mary and Joseph? Angel and Angelo?
Overall, this was fine and Christmasy, but I was hoping that since it's only 47 pages we wouldn't have any drama, but not the case. We've got an ex that causes drama which leads to false accusations with way too quick forgiveness, and first time 'I'm clean' no condom use...you literally met a day and a half ago. I guess it's hard to say no if his abs look anything like the cover models.
Heather Adores Books
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