Girl Abroad by Elle Kennedy is a contemporary new adult romance. Nineteen-year-old Abbey Bly applies for and gets the opportunity to study abroad Girl Abroad by Elle Kennedy is a contemporary new adult romance. Nineteen-year-old Abbey Bly applies for and gets the opportunity to study abroad for a year at Pembridge University in London. She loves her retired rockstar father, but he is overprotective. She’s ready to be free to achieve some of her own experiences versus hearing of her father’s exploits. She’s looking forward to meeting the girls she will be rooming with and making new friends. However, arriving late at night, she finds it's three boys, not girls, that will be her roommates. There’s only one house rule. No fraternizing between housemates.
Abbey doesn’t tell her father that her roommates aren’t girls. Abbey has been sheltered due to her father’s guilt and regret regarding his early life. Then, she falls for two different guys and one of them is a roommate. Additionally, she has a significant research paper for a class that leads her to a scandalous nobility family. She’s curious, inquisitive, adores libraries, and is funny and unpretentious, and is majoring in European history. A lot of the book is focused on romance and which guy Abbey will choose. To me, this part was cute, but too predictable. However, the sections that I enjoyed the most were the ones regarding her research paper. At an estate sale, she finds a painting of a young woman who is unnamed and centers her research around this woman. This not only requires significant time at the library, but provides her with adventures and exposure to several different types of individuals. Themes include trust, lies, fear of obscurity, communication, being candid with others, friendship, independence, protectiveness, betrayal, romance, and much more.
Overall, this is a cute, bur predictable romance with some humor. However, it is more than that. Abbey’s research efforts and the mystery to be solved, as well as the people she meets and the friends she makes along the way, are the most interesting parts of the novel. This could have been the focal point with a romance as a subplot, instead of the other way around.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date was February 13, 2024. --------------------------------------- My 3.3 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon....more
Jackie Weger has penned a heartwarming romance. Decker Davenport has just 30 days (until December 24) to remodel and decorate a St. Augustine, FloridaJackie Weger has penned a heartwarming romance. Decker Davenport has just 30 days (until December 24) to remodel and decorate a St. Augustine, Florida Victorian home or the owner will put it back on the market. Unfortunately, his decorator has decided to get married and has cancelled on him. However, she has subcontracted with Annalise Owens to do the job. He watches as Annalise transforms the home while also bonding with Decker’s daughter, Sophie. However, Annalise has a secret that threatens the project and their relationship.
Decker is charming, confident, considerate, decisive, and kind most of the time. However, he also has a temper and is a risk-taker. Annalise is perceptive, creative, efficient, charismatic, and has a secret that deeply affects her. Sophie is clever, independent, precocious, and cute. Her best friend is a ragdoll named Nellie. Despite loving Decker, she desperately wants a mother.
The book moves at a steady pace and was entertaining with a little spice. However, the romance was too quick, the conflict could have quickly been resolved with one short conversation, and the story line was very predictable. Overall, it’s an easy, light read that’s enjoyable, but it failed to live up to its potential. Despite this, it kept my interest.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was December 8, 2020. ---------------------------------------- My 3.44 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon....more
Hunt on Dark Waters by Katee Robert is the first book in a new fantasy romance series: Crimson Sails. Evelyn is a witch who steals from her vampirHunt on Dark Waters by Katee Robert is the first book in a new fantasy romance series: Crimson Sails. Evelyn is a witch who steals from her vampire ex and goes through a portal into another realm: Threshold. She’s rescued from the ocean by pirates and their telekinetic captain and is given a choice: join them or die. Captain Bowen and his crew are bound by a vow to patrol the magical sea in between realms, keeping the portals to other worlds safe. As tension rises between Bowen and Evelyn, danger arises too.
Evelyn has terrible taste in girlfriends and boyfriends. She tends to steal, likes danger, and can be reckless and manipulatives. However, she can also be sentimental and curious. Bowen is honorable, fair, and serious. However, he can also be blunt and is viewed as rigid and unbending.
The world-building and characterization are wonderful. Who doesn’t like to explore fantasy worlds with witches, vampires, pirates, dragons, mermaids, and more? However, the pacing was somewhat uneven and the romance was too quick. There was an instant physical attraction despite the gravity of the decisions that needed to be made. Despite this there are only a couple of spicy scenes in the last half of the book. It was easy to get caught up in the adventure story and I am interested to see where the story goes in the next book.
Overall, this was an entertaining and fun novel with great world-building.
Berkley Publishing Group and Katee Robert provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for November 07, 2023.
--------------------------------------- My 3.42 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon....more
Travis by Mia Sheridan is the second book in the Pelion Lake romance series. It’s set in Pelion, Lake, Maine and features Travis Hale and Haven ToTravis by Mia Sheridan is the second book in the Pelion Lake romance series. It’s set in Pelion, Lake, Maine and features Travis Hale and Haven Torres. Travis is the town’s chief of police and has a family who has mostly forgiven him after several bad decisions years ago. Filled with regrets, his future seems to be on the upturn. Until a brother and sister come to town for seasonal work. Easton and Haven Torres left California two years ago and have been traveling and working across the country. Travis and Haven agree to help each other. Travis will help her win over Gage Buchanan and she will help him make her brother sweat over his misdeed.
Travis and Haven are reasonably well developed. Both characters change and grow as the story unfolds. However, I felt Easton was even more of a dynamic character.
The story switches points of view between Travis and Haven giving readers insights into their thoughts and perspectives. The novel contains humor throughout, but also pulls on the heartstrings at times. There are a few surprises along the way that kept things interesting. However, the pacing was somewhat slower than I expected at times. The chemistry between Travis and Haven worked for me, but I expected more angst or conflict. There are a few spicy scenes. Themes include responsibility, redemption, trust, jealousy, friendship, family, and much more.
Overall, this was an entertaining story of redemption for one character and finding a place where one fits for others. I would love to read Easton's story in a future book.
SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books and Mia Sheridan provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for April 04, 2023. -------------------------------------------------- 3.45 rounded to 3 stars....more
Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn is a captivating and witty contemporary romance set in Darentville, Virginia and featuring Georgie Mulcahy, a Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn is a captivating and witty contemporary romance set in Darentville, Virginia and featuring Georgie Mulcahy, a long-time personal assistant to a screenwriter and director, Nadia. When Nadia decides to retire, Georgie needs to make some decisions on what she wants to do.
Georgie’s best friend, Bel Reston-Yoon and her husband Harry have recently moved back to Bel and Georgie’s hometown. At a loss, Georgie decides to pack up and move, at least temporarily, to Virginia. She can help Bel get organized from her move and stay at her parents’ home while they’re traveling. While unpacking boxes at Bel’s house, Georgie finds an old journal that she and Bel had written in when they were thirteen. It was filled with ideas and things they had wanted to do. She hopes it will help her decide what to do with her life.
However, it turns out her parents had forgotten to tell Georgie that they were letting Levi Fanning stay at the house for two weeks. He was the town troublemaker when he was young and the older brother of Georgie’s high school crush.
The character development in this novel is excellent. Georgie is impulsive, flighty, flexible, funny, a great organizer of others’ time and things, and she’s confused about her future. Small towns tend to have long memories. Levi is still remembered as a young troublemaker. However, he has a successful business now, is somewhat antisocial, and is tenderhearted with his dog, Hank. Both of these main characters go through dramatic transformations during the course of the storyline. The author brilliantly portrayed the small town attitudes and changes. The story is well-plotted with a few unpredictable moments and some humor. Despite a somewhat slow pace, the focus on friendship, love, career, and much more, makes this an entertaining read.
Overall, this story is captivating and enjoyable. The author delivers a heartfelt romance with occasional spicy scenes that tackles some deeper themes if one reads it in its entirety.
Kensington Books provided a complimentary physical copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date was January 24, 2023.
---------------------------- My 4 star review is coming soon....more
Secretly Yours by Tessa Bailey is a steamy opposites-attract romantic comedy featuring Hallie Welch and Julian Vos. Hallie had a crush on Julian wSecretly Yours by Tessa Bailey is a steamy opposites-attract romantic comedy featuring Hallie Welch and Julian Vos. Hallie had a crush on Julian when she was fourteen and they almost kissed in his family’s vineyard. It’s fifteen years later and she still has forgotten him. He’s come home to St. Helena in the Napa Valley of California to write a historical fiction novel. As Hallie gardens outside his window, Julian gets distracted and Hallie gets drunk one night and leaves a secret admirer letter for him to find. Will they get their happily ever after together or is there another future for them?
Hallie is the proprietor of Becca’s Blooms and is a premier gardener in the local area. She’s still reeling from her grandmother’s death and has become somewhat untethered. She’s impulsive, late, flighty, clever, immature for her age, and disorganized. Julian keeps to a rigid schedule. He’s organized, exacting, and efficient. However, he is also protective of others and quick to find solutions.
This is a funny and light read with several steamy scenes and well-developed characters. Themes include romance, crushes, helping others, family, secrets, community, and much more. My main quibbles are that I wanted more tension and obstacles as well as some of the actions of Tessa were improper and unprofessional.
Overall, this is an entertaining and light book, but not very memorable.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was February 7, 2023. ---------------------------------------- My 3.12 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon....more
Fake It Till You Bake It by Jamie Wesley is a contemporary romantic comedy. Combining romance and humor, it features 25-year-old Jada Townsend-MatFake It Till You Bake It by Jamie Wesley is a contemporary romantic comedy. Combining romance and humor, it features 25-year-old Jada Townsend-Matthews and Donovan Dell. Jada has recently experienced social media hate after turning down a proposal on a reality dating show. Donovan is a professional football player and co-owner of a cupcake bakery, Sugar Blitz. When her parents cut off her credit cards, Jada ends up working for Donovan. A reporter mistakenly believes they’re a couple, and they decide to take advantage of it by faking a relationship. What better way to help the business and improve Jada’s image?
Donovan loves to bake. He establishes goals and works to meet them. He’s driven, calm, and controlled. Jada doesn’t know what she wants to do with her life and things don’t seem to be working out well for her. She’s confused, uncertain, and insecure as well as being impulsive. Both characters are relatable and likeable and show growth during the course of the novel.
Reviews seem to be all over the place with this book. While some of the novel was a little over the top and the romance progressed rather quickly, I went with the flow and enjoyed it. The chemistry between Jada and Donovan creates a fun dynamic that also amplifies the story line. Besides romance, there are some deep themes ranging from gambling addiction to the impact of social media on lives to blackmail to teamwork to how parents’ opinions and actions affect their children even as adults.
Overall, this was an entertaining and charming novel with some humor and laugh out-loud moments as well as some pivotal emotional times. It’s well-written with a great setting and extraordinary characters from very different backgrounds.
St. Martin’s Press – St. Martin’s Griffin and Jamie Wesley provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for June 21, 2022. ...more
Thank You, Next by Andie J. Christopher is a contemporary romantic comedy. Combining romance and humor, it features single divorce attorney Alex TThank You, Next by Andie J. Christopher is a contemporary romantic comedy. Combining romance and humor, it features single divorce attorney Alex Turner and gifted chef Will Harkness. When Alex sees her latest ex-boyfriend’s new girlfriend picking out her wedding dress, she reflects on her dating life. She’s determined to find out why they go into a committed relationship soon after breaking up with her. Will and Alex have known each other since they were teens and have a tumultuous relationship. When he learns about Alex’s quest, he decides to tag along with her and her two friends, Lana and Jane.
Neither Alex nor Will have had role models that had lasting relationships. Alex is a great attorney, but has moments of vulnerability. Her insecurities seemed too embedded as the book progressed. Will is shrewd, but hates the publicity required by his job. Can they find the answers they seek and find happiness? The secondary characters are diverse and significantly add to the enjoyment of the novel.
The author provides a look at how past events and actions can affect one’s personality. There is a lot of introspection by both main characters that resulted in more telling than showing. This also slowed the pace of the story. The book focuses on relationships and how trust affects them. Overall, this was an entertaining and charming novel with some humor and laugh out-loud moments as well as some pivotal emotional times.
Berkley Publishing Group and Andie J. Christopher provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for June 14, 2022.
-------------------------------- Review coming around 6/7/2022 per publisher guidelines....more
Set on You by Amy Lea is a contemporary romantic comedy. This one combines romance and humor in an engaging and fun story. It features curvy biracSet on You by Amy Lea is a contemporary romantic comedy. This one combines romance and humor in an engaging and fun story. It features curvy biracial fitness influencer and personal trainer Chrystal Chen who uses social media to promote a healthy life and a positive body image no matter how you look. After a recent break-up, she finds solace in her daily gym workouts. When firefighter Scott Ritchie shows up and steals her favorite squat rack, the sparks fly.
Chrystal and Scott are both well-developed characters with a lot of depth. Both also have flaws which make them seem even more realistic. Chrystal is confident, kind, strong-willed, competitive, and challenging with trust issues. Scott is arrogant, competitive, thoughtful, and protective. The secondary characters have varying degrees of depth that is applicable for their roles in this story line.
The author provides a look at a love that blooms slowly between the two main characters. The prose is well-written, touching at times, and humorous at other times. There is a lot of focus on family, friendship, hard work, and communication with a few romantic scenes in the last third of the novel. While there is an immediate attraction, they start out as antagonists. This romance takes time to develop and flourish. Several serious themes play a role in this story as well. These include trust, cyberbullying, racism, fitness, self-control, forgiveness, anxiety, self-doubt, respecting yourself, acceptance, beauty standards, and more. My one quibble was that it was a little too predictable.
Overall, this was an entertaining, appealing, and delightful novel with some humor and laugh out-loud moments as well as some pivotal stressful and emotional times. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
Berkley Publishing Group and Amy Lea provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for May 10, 2022.
Last Chance Book Club by Hope Ramsay is a touching contemporary romance set in the fictional small town of Last Chance, South Carolina. It’s the fLast Chance Book Club by Hope Ramsay is a touching contemporary romance set in the fictional small town of Last Chance, South Carolina. It’s the fifth book in the Last Chance series, but the only one that I have read. Savannah White decides to move herself and her son to a place where she was happy as a child and away from her ex-husband and ex-mother-in-law. She plans to live temporarily with Aunt Miriam, but doesn’t know that Dash Randall is also living there. They are only related by marriage, but had a dynamic and argumentative childhood when they were young.
Savannah wants to restore the old theatre that her grandfather had left her, but she doesn’t know anything about construction, restoration, or business plans. She seems easily influenced by her mother and ex-mother-in-law, but she has finally taken a step to get out from under their grip. Dash had a successful baseball career until he had a drinking problem and an accident caused him to leave baseball and return to Last Chance. Both main characters become more likeable over time.
While this is a charming and sweet story, it wasn’t elevated beyond that for me. The pacing seemed slow throughout the first half of the novel. Based on the title, I thought the story would feature a book club. While there is one in the book, it only plays a minor role. For some reason, the story line did not grab my attention like I thought it would. Despite this, it was somewhat interesting and the conclusion pulled together most of the threads.
Overall, this was a light and entertaining story. It was a reasonably quick read between other books, but it was very predictable.
Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way....more
Starry-Eyed Love by Helena Hunting is the second book in the Spark House contemporary romance series. This one combines romance and humor in an enStarry-Eyed Love by Helena Hunting is the second book in the Spark House contemporary romance series. This one combines romance and humor in an engaging and fun story. London Spark has just broken up with her latest boyfriend and is out celebrating her single status with her sisters Avery and Harley. When an attractive man pays for their food and drink and slips her his number, she turns him down. A few months later, a multi-million-dollar company calls and asks for a meeting to learn more about Spark House, the event hotel owned and managed by the three sisters, and see if it would be a good addition to their network. During the meeting, the company’s CEO, Jackson Holt, walks in soon after London starts her presentation. She eventually realizes that he is the man she had rejected at the bar a few months ago.
London and Jackson are both well-developed characters with a lot of depth. Both also have flaws which make them seem even more realistic. The secondary characters have varying degrees of depth that is applicable for their roles in this story line.
The author provides a look at a love that blooms slowly between the two main characters. The prose is well-written, touching at times, and humorous at other times. There is a lot of focus on family, friendship, hard work, and communication with a few romantic scenes in the last third of the novel. While there is an immediate attraction, they maintain a more professional relationship until after an event where Jackson takes an active role rather than members of his team. This is a romance that takes time to develop and flourish. There are several other serious themes that play a role in this story as well. These include grief, work/life balance, lack of transparency, dreams, goals, loss of a relationship, and listening to others.
Overall, this was an entertaining, appealing, and delightful novel with some humor. I enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
St. Martin’s Press – St. Martin’s Griffin and Helena Hunting provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for May 10, 2022. ...more
Swan Huntley’s latest novel, Getting Clean with Stevie Green, is thought-provoking, sad at times, and occasionally humorous. Stevie Green’s mom haSwan Huntley’s latest novel, Getting Clean with Stevie Green, is thought-provoking, sad at times, and occasionally humorous. Stevie Green’s mom has called and asked her to help her downsize and move into her new home. Stevie is so successful, she decides to start her own decluttering business. Additionally, at thirty-seven, she has decided to give up binge drinking and sleeping with strange men. While her life was derailed by a high school scandal, she was already secretly on a path of alcohol and drugs. She never realized her dreams. The seemed to become addicted to fresh starts. In fact, she doesn’t really know what or who she wants to be now except number one on the Organizely application. What could go possible wrong when she is living in her home town of La Jolla, California, the place of her painful memories.
While most of the book is from Stevie’s POV, there are some insights from Chris, Brad, Bonnie, and Kit. One thing that took me a while to get used to was Stevie seemingly talking to the reader. Her character is one that cries out for empathy at times, but is hard to like at other times.
Stevie’s background story is unveiled gradually. While she has found a purpose, will it last or will she need another fresh start? The novel has several themes running through it including hope, addiction, alcohol, betrayal, lies, mistakes, internet dating, friendship, family, social media, love, and forgiveness.
Overall, I enjoyed this change-of-pace story, but felt saddened that Stevie allowed one event to derail 20 years of her life. Will she finally get her life together?
Gallery Books and Swan Huntley provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for January 25, 2022. ...more
How to Love Your Neighbor by Sophie Sullivan is a heartwarming, humorous, and appealing contemporary romance set in Harlow Beach, California. HoweHow to Love Your Neighbor by Sophie Sullivan is a heartwarming, humorous, and appealing contemporary romance set in Harlow Beach, California. However it is more than your typical enemies to friends to lovers story. This novel is about all types of relationships.
Grace Travis has a few months left before she graduates with her interior design degree. To make ends meet, she has student loans and works multiple jobs. She’s inherited a bungalow on the beach from grandparents she never met and plans to move into it and renovate it. It turns out the next door neighbor is a real estate developer who plans to renovate his large house and wants to buy Grace’s home so he can expand.
Grace and Noah are great characters that felt authentic. They each have their virtues and flaws, and this adds to both the realism and the humor that is contained in this book. Their determination, family issues, desire to be successful on their own, and much more made them feel real. While there is an attraction, they also challenge each other and frustrate each other resulting in some humorous moments as well as some introspection by each. The secondary characters add conflict or support. I especially liked Morty, Josh, and Rosie who contributed something extra to the story without detracting from the main theme.
This isn’t an instant love story or a steamy book. It touches on some deeper subjects such as toxic relationships with a parent, friendship of multiple types, social anxiety, giving back to the community, asking for help, learning about yourself through relationships with others, and much more. While there were a couple of slower spots, I liked the up and down dynamic between Noah and Grace. Additionally, the deeper subjects pulled the story together for me.
Overall, I enjoyed this highly entertaining and heartfelt book. It was a refreshing change from what I typically read, but it won’t be the last one that I read by this author. Those that enjoy contemporary romances, chick lit, or romantic comedies will likely enjoy this novel. I don’t read a lot of romances except for romantic suspense and paranormal romance, but I connected with this one.
St. Martin’s Press – St. Martin’s Griffin and Sophie Sullivan provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for January 18, 2022. ...more
Nudes by Sarah Robinson is the first book in the Exposed Trilogy Hollywood Romance series and the first one that I have read by this author. The aNudes by Sarah Robinson is the first book in the Exposed Trilogy Hollywood Romance series and the first one that I have read by this author. The author brings the expected romance and misunderstandings. However, there is much more to the novel once you get into it.
Ben Lawson is the new CEO of a movie production company and Aria Rose/Aria Reynolds is the female lead in the latest movie that is being filmed. Despite their better judgement, they have chemistry and start a secret affair. When intimate photos surface of Aria, it seems that both of their dreams are destroyed. Both characters had strengths and flaws that made them more relatable and there is a nice variety of secondary characters that provide conflict and support.
Going into this novel, I thought it might be a 3 star read, but the latter part of the book upped that a star. But in addition to the usual intense connections and steamy scenes, the book tackles some important issues including family, friendship, trust, image, the importance of reading a document before you sign it, and the different ways women and men are treated when something private is leaked, as well as the various responses to such an event. Therefore, there are also themes of gender equality, women’s rights, and exploitation.
The prose was well-written and engaging, but I could have done without some of the language. Overall, this was an enjoyable and entertaining read that tackles some serious issues.
Thanks to the author for a complimentary copy of this novel through a giveaway and the opportunity to read and provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. The publication date was May 22, 2017. ...more
Willow by Grace Parks is a contemporary romance and the first book in The Pepper Lane Club romance series. It features Willow Lawson, a social media eWillow by Grace Parks is a contemporary romance and the first book in The Pepper Lane Club romance series. It features Willow Lawson, a social media expert, who helps companies improve or set up websites and their social media sites. Willow suggests to her twin sister, Riley that they start a dinner club. They plan to have it at the Pepper Lane Café. The restaurant has no web or social media presence and Willow is determined to meet owner Thomas Greer and convince him to be her client.
While she has an outgoing personality and goes to a lot of events, her circle of friends is small. She’s a people pleaser, acts confident, but isn’t, hates her boss, and is messy in her personal life and her work desk; but she’s great at her job. Thomas is unsociable, doesn’t like social media, serious, and doesn’t want her help. However, the reader doesn’t get to see enough of Thomas’ life to get to know him well. The other five women in the dinner club are introduced, but didn’t have a lot of depth. Their characters will likely be fleshed out in later books in the series.
The story line is straight-forward without a lot of twists. However, besides romance, themes include friendship, sisterhood, interoffice politics, betrayal, and family. Truman, Willow’s dog, provided some adorable moments. The one major problem I had was that Willow was an hour late to her first meeting with Thomas. This was so unprofessional that it grated on me.
Overall, this novel is light, funny, and entertaining. It’s a good start to the series and I look forward to seeing what happens to each of the other five women in the dinner club.
Author Collective 20 and Grace Parks provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date was April 19, 2019. ...more
The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren is a heartwarming, humorous, and appealing contemporary romance. Christina Lauren is the pen name for wrThe Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren is a heartwarming, humorous, and appealing contemporary romance. Christina Lauren is the pen name for writing duo Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings.
Jessica (Jess) Davis is a freelancer dealing with data and statistics for companies of various sizes. She is a single mom with a seven-year-old daughter, Juno. Jess was raised by her grandparents, Nana and Pops, and they help out with Juno as well. When Jess and her best friend Felicity Chen (Fizzy) hear about GeneticAlly, a new DNA-based matchmaking company that relies on numbers, they both end up giving a DNA sample. When Jess matches with the company’s founder at a 98% compatibility, she has trouble believing it. This is especially true since she’s met Dr. River Pena and she believes he is stuck-up and stubborn. There is no way that he could be her soulmate.
Jess, Juno, Fizzy, River, Nana, and Pops are great characters. They each have their virtues and flaws, and this adds to both the realism and the humor that is contained in this book. Resilience, courage, hope, family, and much more made them feel real.
There is a steamy scene or two and some geek speak on genetics and data, but that fit with the characters. It is not an instant love story and it also touches on some deeper subjects such as family support systems and dealing with addicts. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a refreshing change from what I typically read, but it won’t be the last one that I read by this writing duo.
Those that enjoy contemporary romances, chick lit, or romantic comedies will likely enjoy this novel. I don’t read a lot of romances except for romantic suspense and paranormal romance, but I connected with this one. The laugh-out-loud humor and the likeable characters along with an unusual take on dating made for an intriguing read.
Gallery Books and the authors provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for May 18, 2021. ...more
SILVER CREEK FIRE by Lindsay McKenna is the first book in the Silver Creek contemporary romance series. The protagonists are Leanna (Lea) Ryan and LogSILVER CREEK FIRE by Lindsay McKenna is the first book in the Silver Creek contemporary romance series. The protagonists are Leanna (Lea) Ryan and Logan Anderson. Lea experienced a traumatic event when she was a teenager and went from being an extrovert to seeking a safe harbor. She concentrated on following in her father’s footsteps and became a master carpenter and wood sculptor. At age 29, she finally decides to take a commission in Wyoming to do some remodeling work on Logan’s Wild Goose Ranch. But all is not calm at the ranch. Will Lea come out of her shell? Who is causing the disturbing events that are happening at the ranch?
Both Lea and Ryan are likeable characters. They have similar values but have approached life very differently. Their flaws and virtues came through and they were definitely individuals you could root for. They seemed to balance each other. Both had clear goals that influenced the plot and had believable motivations. The secondary characters were not quite as well developed, but they did enhance the story rather than overwhelming it. The world-building was good and this book also served as an introduction to the community and its traditions. The story line does emphasize taking care of the environment and the negatives associated with fracking. There is one steamy scene at about 90% in the book.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It was an entertaining book that was emotionally intense. It also had a few idiosyncrasies and surprises and just enough suspense to balance things out. Additionally, the author did a good job of meshing the romance and the suspense without either suffering. If you are a fan of contemporary romances with a bit of suspense and without instant love, then you may want to check this one out. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Kensington Books – Zebra and Lindsay McKenna provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. --------------------------------------------------------------- Review to come around Sept. 27th, 2020 (one month prior to publication)....more
ARRESTING THE WARLORD by Gail Koger is the twelfth book in the Coletti Warlord science fiction romance series. While it worked as a standalone book, IARRESTING THE WARLORD by Gail Koger is the twelfth book in the Coletti Warlord science fiction romance series. While it worked as a standalone book, I believe the situation on earth would be more quickly understood if the books were read in order. CeeCee Tsosie is a Navajo Nation shaman and police officer. She also has the ability to control the weather. When the catches Jake Jones, a Coletti Warlord, for speeding and ends up arresting him, it may not have been her smartest option. An alien serial killer is attacking people and CeeCee and Jake end up working together to stop him.
CeeCee and Jake are both strong protagonists with distinct voices and goals. The internal and external conflicts were well defined and the secondary characters enhanced the story. I loved the humor that existed throughout the book. However, the romance was somewhat too fast for my tastes. Part of this is likely due to the short length of the book. There were a couple of plot twists that kept things interesting and added to the depth of the book. There are a couple of steamy scenes in the book.
Overall, this was an entertaining, fast-paced, and amusing read. I am looking forward to reading more of this series. If you enjoy science fiction romances, then this may be the next series for you.
I won a digital copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. Thanks go to Goodreads and Gail Koger for the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way....more
RUN AND HIDE by Maggie Clare is the second book in the Tactical Solutions International romantic suspense series. The book worked fine as a stand-alonRUN AND HIDE by Maggie Clare is the second book in the Tactical Solutions International romantic suspense series. The book worked fine as a stand-alone. When FBI Special Agent Mike Flynn gets a call from his friend Alex Costa asking him to find and protect Alex’s sister Lucia, Mike immediately heads to California. When he shows up at Lucia’s hotel room, she is out of money and in need of help. Together, they work to take down a human trafficking ring.
The main characters were definitely someone you can root for with clear goals and believable motivations. The secondary characters were not as well-rounded, but did enhance the story. The prose was entertaining and engrossing. The plot was suspenseful and, at times, it was riveting. However, to me, there were a few too many coincidences. Despite this, there was a nice twist at the end of the book. There are several steamy scenes starting about half-way through the book. Themes include human trafficking, murder, drugs, family, friendship, romance, corruption and much more.
Overall, this was an entertaining book and I would like to read the first book in the series. If you enjoy romantic suspense, then this may be a series you would enjoy. Note: Maggie Clare is the pen name of speculative fiction author Tabitha Lord.
Many thanks to BookBuzz.net – Wave Equations Media and Maggie Clare for a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way....more
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