“If you allow fear to take over your actions, then you’re never going to accomplish anything.�
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Everyone in Kringletown celebrated Christmas a“If you allow fear to take over your actions, then you’re never going to accomplish anything.�
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Everyone in Kringletown celebrated Christmas a lot, but there is one who certainly has not. Cole Black has been lacking in Christmas cheer for many years now. It’s a time when he hides in his home and doesn’t come out. Except this year, something is different..Storee Taylor is back in town and she’s brought some holiday cheer with her. Store hasn’t been back to Kringletown in many years but when her Great Aunt Cindy needs her help she shows up, and gets entered into the town’s annual Christmas Kringle contest…much to the annoyance of Cole. Now these two are at odds and bantering faster than one can make a candy cane. Who will win? And who will be the first to meet the other under the mistletoe?
This book was so cute! I’m definitely a fan of the enemies to lovers trope and Meghan Quinn surely did not disappoint in this aspect. The banter and tension were *chef’s kiss* Truly a classic enemies to lovers.
Not to mention the fun little references to the Grinch throughout the duration of the book. I won’t give them away but let me just say that I love Max!
Meghan Quinn truly knows how to round her characters, the evolution of Cole throughout the book is probably the most profound in a way that pulls on your heart strings.
If you’re looking for a fun holiday romance with spice then I highly recommend this book. ...more
Ivy Spencer is trying Ron,ate a fresh start at Silver Pines Ranch. After leaving her old life behind she is looking to make a fresh start and train a Ivy Spencer is trying Ron,ate a fresh start at Silver Pines Ranch. After leaving her old life behind she is looking to make a fresh start and train a race horse for the prestigious Kentucky Derby. Enter her new boss, the grumpy Wade Ashby. After his failed marriage he swore off love, but as he starts to get to know Ivy he knows there is no going back from his feelings. As they begin to spend more time with one another lines and feelings begin to blur for both of them. As their walls come down can they let each other in?
I was leery to start this book, I was not as intrigued with Wade Ashby at first. He was merely the protective older brother. However, as I got further into this book I realized he was so much more. Especially his dirty talk. That was the ultimate surprise and in the best way. If there is anything Paisley Hope is good at its writing spicy scenes. This boom did not disappoint in that department at all. Some moments even left me blushing.
I was also very interested in the character of Ivy. She worked so hard to beget out of her old life in-order to create her new one. I could not help but admire her motivation and passion to not settle for what had been dealt to her. Watching her grow as a character and take back her life was empowering to see.
I also loved the returning characters from the first book. They added even more life and laughter.
Overall, Training the Heart was a fun read that left me counting down until I can return to Silver Pines again. ...more
**spoiler alert** “Don’t settle for anything less than a guy who worships the ground you walk on.�
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Hayden Owens and Darcy Andersen have bee**spoiler alert** “Don’t settle for anything less than a guy who worships the ground you walk on.�
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Hayden Owens and Darcy Andersen have been friends since they met in college where they bonded over their love over their favorite fantasy book series. Now flash forward years later and Darcy is freshly out of a relationship and living with Hayden in Vancouver as she tries to pick up the pieces of her life. She is not interested in jumping back into a long term relationship. Instead she wants Hayden to teach her to be a player. He will be her wingman and help her practice, but what happens when real feelings start to blur the line of practice things?
First thank you to Stephanie Archer for the ARC! I was out of town this past weekend so I didn’t get a chance to post my review.
Once again Stephanie has made me fall in love with a fictional man. Hayden Owens is a clear definition of perfection. His unwavering care and support of Darcy had me swooning since the beginning. No matter what he gave her his full support.
Darcy was such a fun character as well. I loved how she was able to come into her own person after the end of her relationship. Seeing her growth and determination to fight for the life she wanted was encouraging and touched a part of me as well.
I’m such a sucker for a good friends to lovers trope and this book did not disappoint at all. It had just the right amount of pining, tension and spice in all the right places. ...more
Blue Moon Bend is like any other small town, it has quaint charm and a close knit community. It even has busy “Hope doesn’t have to be a scary thing.�
Blue Moon Bend is like any other small town, it has quaint charm and a close knit community. It even has busy bodies playing matchmaker for some of the town’s most eligible bachelors. The latest victim in the town’s radar? Carter Pierce. He returned from war and took over the family farm. Now he just wants to be left alone. What he doesn’t want is nosy journalist, Summer Lentz, poking around asking questions for the article she is writing about the family farm. However, Summer is nothing like Carter thought she would be. She has her own secrets that she doesn’t share with anyone. Despite her short visit to Blue Moon, she has captivated Carter. Can these two navigate their feelings for one another even though they come from two different worlds?
Lucy Score and small towns just go hand in hand! She has a knack for making them cozy and quirky. Blue Moon is no exception, this book was a quick cozy romance. And if you know how long her books tend to be this one is definitely shorter and reads pretty quick.
I’m always intrigued when I read older books in Lucy’s catalog because specifically with Blue Moon she references it in another one of her books. So being able to explore that world a little more in depth is always fun. Especially when the characters Lucy writes are not hard to love. They’re relatable and are well rounded in a way that gives them life off of the page.
While there were some plot inconsistencies and aspects that left me wanting more, this was a cute book. Lucy has set the scene perfectly to leave me intrigued enough to want to return to the town of Blue Moon and check in on the rest of the Pierce brothers. ...more
“I love my little fly like I have no other option, and the truth is maybe I never have.�
CeCe Ashby wants nothing more than to put her past behind her.“I love my little fly like I have no other option, and the truth is maybe I never have.�
CeCe Ashby wants nothing more than to put her past behind her. After she breaks off her toxic engagement and returns to her small hometown in Kentucky, she’s piecing back together her life. Also back in town is newly retired hockey star, Nash Carter who has been best friends with CeCe’s older brothers, Wade and Cole. He’s basically like a third older brother to CeCe except now he’s seeing her in a different light. Can these two put aside their pasts in order to fight for their future?
First thank you to NetGalley and Random House: Ballatine Publishing for this ARC. (I’m really trying to catch up on my backlog!)
I’m such a sucker for a Cowboy/Small Town romance! This book was adorable and had me giggling and kicking my feet.
These characters were so lovable. CeCe was a fun character that I saw pieces of myself in. And oh let me tell you, Nash Carter has cemented his spot on my list of book boyfriends. His devotion to CeCe truly makes me wish all men were written by women.
Without spoiling too much, I felt that this book encapsulated grief, anxiety and mental health very well. The feelings felt raw and real in a way that is hard to always portray in writing.
If you’re looking for a new cowboy romance I highly recommend this one! I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!...more
Penelope Skinner has been holed up in her home ever since she threw a book at Neil Storm’s head. Much to her protest her friend Laszlo recruited her fPenelope Skinner has been holed up in her home ever since she threw a book at Neil Storm’s head. Much to her protest her friend Laszlo recruited her for a writer’s retreat in Scotland. Now, she’s snowed in at a castle with Laszlo and much to her surprise the infuriating Neil Storm. And on top of that the castle is haunted. What could go wrong?
First thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I had high hopes for this book, I thought it would be the perfect spooky season read which is why I delayed in reading it for so long. However, it ended up falling flat for me in a few ways.
First, the character of Penelope was frustrating at times. She placed so much blame on Neil for ruining her writing career and how he wrote his book. She was very whiny and negative at times that it was hard to keep focus on the plot.
I also found the “gothic horror� to be lacking. Without saying too much, a few ghost and a castle dont necessarily make it gothic horror. Which seemed to go along with the various plot holes and inconsistencies that occurred throughout the course of the book. At times I was left confused and having to go back and read a few previous pages to try and make sense of what was going on. Especially when there seemed to be a lot of jumping around, causing a break in the reading experience.
Overall, this book wasn’t terrible. Between the plot holes there was a good story here that made it engaging enough for me to finish the book. Plus it gave me the push to look for another book to continue through this spooky season. If you’re looking for a quick spooky season read with some spice then feel free to give this book a read when it releases October 15th. ...more
Ten years ago “The Four� saved the realm but not without great loss. Now on the eve of their decade anniversary they are summoned to save the realm onTen years ago “The Four� saved the realm but not without great loss. Now on the eve of their decade anniversary they are summoned to save the realm once more. Can they all put aside their differences and feelings to save Mythria? Or will the realm fall into darkness at the hands of The Order?
I had high hopes for this book. I always love a good cozy fantasy, especially this time of year. However, this book fell a bit flat. I don’t know if it was having three different authors (which I didn’t realize until after I finished) or the concept wasn’t as well thought out as I’d hoped. But either way I was left disappointed.
I felt that a lot of the story was centered around whether Clare and Beatrice would get back together. The angst was hitting hard and boiling over to the point of annoying. Meanwhile, I felt that Elowen complained a lot and just saw the worst in people despite having magic that made her aware of their feelings. Her feud with Beatrice seemed over exaggerated as well.
Overall, this book was okay and reminded me more of Ella Enchanted than The Princess Bride. If you’re looking for a cozy romance with not as much substance then give this book a read. ...more
**spoiler alert** Aila is the head phoenix keeper at a zoo for magical creatures. This has been her dream since she was a child, caring for these magn**spoiler alert** Aila is the head phoenix keeper at a zoo for magical creatures. This has been her dream since she was a child, caring for these magnificent creatures that are on the verge of extinction. She has hopes of rebooting the breeding program in order to preserve these creatures. When she suddenly gets approval, her life gets put into overdrive. Between handling multiple magical species, zoo visitors, a cute dragon keeper, her arch-college rival and trying to encourage two phoenix’s to mate, Aila will be put to the test.
First, thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
I had mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, I enjoyed the concept of a cozy zoological book. I have and always will be a lover of animals and the zoo, so this touched a special place in my heart. As well as the anxiety representation, this was done very well.
On the other hand, Aila started to frustrate me to no end. I felt like she was not grateful for her job, blaming zoo patrons for a lot of her issues when really she would not have a job without the patrons. I also felt she was not a very good friend to Tanya. Especially when it came to Tanya’s own projects that fell into the shadow of Aila’s.
There was also some LGBTQ representation within this book, but I felt it was very lightly touched on but also heavily glossed over. We really didn’t get much page time regarding this until roughly the last quarter of the book.
Overall, this book was okay…the pulling back of the curtain into the zoology world was what really pushed it up to three stars.
Charlotte Calhoun is a Christmas expert, her family takes the holiday to a whole new level. Her brother is even getting married on Christmas. But befoCharlotte Calhoun is a Christmas expert, her family takes the holiday to a whole new level. Her brother is even getting married on Christmas. But before the wedding Charlotte and her friend group are going to celebrate her brother and his fiancé during a weekend getaway at a Miseltoe covered ski lodge. The only problem is her long standing crush is her brother’s best friend and will be around all weekend. What happens when these two bond over not skiing and a Christmas competition?
This book was a cute little read, it definitely gave Hallmark vibes and made me wish for a blanket of snow outside my window. It also read very quick and I was able to read it in two days. The characters were intriguing and they had great chemistry with each other.
However, I felt that the plot was rather rushed and the characters fell in love rather quick. I understand there was a history there but it seemed like everything jumped forward and around pretty quickly. What also bothered me was some of the dialogue, at times the characters would just blurt things out and thus create a big miscommunication between each other which could have been avoided. Not to mention the main male love interest constantly calling Charlotte “baby or honey� way before there was any form of a relationship. It ultimately lacked as a cute form of endearment.
Overall, this is a cute book if you’re looking for something light and fluffy with a lot of Christmas sprinkled in. ...more
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for a review.
I was initially intrigued by this book and felt that it started off well.
The banter betweThank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for a review.
I was initially intrigued by this book and felt that it started off well.
The banter between Tristan and Nina was soooo good. I found myself chuckling at some of their comebacks. Between brother’s best friend and an enemies to lovers, I don’t know what I loved more.
However, the further I got into the story the harder it became to remain intrigued. The plot seemed rushed, granted yes this was a story that took place during the holidays so the window of time is pretty small. But by that point it became to insta love for me. I understand Nina had a crush on Tristan but he was a complete 360 in terms of his feelings for Nina and I had a hard time reconciling that with the banter at the beginning of the book.
Also Tristan’s familial issues seemed to be glossed over in some regard and I felt they could have gone more in depth to show how they defined him as the character he developed into.
The writing also seemed a little disjointed at times and I found myself having to reread some sentences in order to have them make sense. It was also hard at times because while there were some mature themes with swearing and sexual themes, it also toggled back into those of a closed door romance. Almost like the author could not make up their mind as to what type of romance they were writing.
Overall, this book was cute but I found myself wanting more. If you’re looking for a quick holiday read to get you in the spirit of the season then this would be perfect for you. ...more
**spoiler alert** First, thank you to NetGalley for giving me a copy of this book for an honest review.
Sloane Hart doesn't want to be in love but she'**spoiler alert** First, thank you to NetGalley for giving me a copy of this book for an honest review.
Sloane Hart doesn't want to be in love but she's a hopeless romantic at her core. So when she meets mysterious Ethan Brady she tries to set her feelings aside to date with no labels or commitment. But as their senior year of college looms over them, trying to define the future becomes more and more difficult, especially when Ethan has no desire to commit or ever plan to. Between mixed signals, growing up and self- discovery, sometimes you learn that your first love is not always meant to be.
*Spoilers Below*
Oh, where do I start with this book? I truly wanted to like it. I really did. The title and concept of the book pulled me in, especially the Taylor Swift reference in the title. Plus the concept of a situationship and drifting away from a person made me feel like I had a kindred soul in feelings. However, once I started reading I quickly learned that was not the case.
I found both Sloane and Ethan to be very frustrating characters. Sloane came across as whiny and overdramatic about every little thing. She was very self centered and so obtuse at times to all of those around her. Not to mention Ethan hardly having a personality and when he did it was to either be a jerk or complain about how Sloane was asking too much of him. (Because occasionally talking about feelings is super difficult?) The amount of times he lead Sloane on should have been warning enough to the girl, but clearly not. Especially how many times she let Ethan back into her life!! Fool me once, fool me twice but FOOL ME SO MANY TIMES and we have a problem. And I understand this is an integral part of the story, the way it was fleshed out throughout the story made it extremely frustrating.
The story was also hard to follow at times between writing style and general plot line inconsistencies and jumps. The dialogue was extremely lacking and at times I wondered if the author had even been in college during the time frame this book was taking place because the amount of plot that was centered around drinking and bars had me questioning my own college experience during that time frame when I was in college.
Overall, I really loved the concept of this book in theory. But at its core this book was just lacking in so many ways. ...more
“I’m so sick of running as fast as I can. Wondering if I’d get there quicker if I was a man?�
Daphne just wanted to get her book published, but that pr“I’m so sick of running as fast as I can. Wondering if I’d get there quicker if I was a man?�
Daphne just wanted to get her book published, but that proves to be difficult. So out of a whim of frustration she submits it under a man’s pseudonym…Zane Remington. Under this name Daphne’s book sky rockets into popularity, and now the publisher is looking to put a face to the name. Enter the help of Chris Stanton, the hired “actor� Daphne brings on to play Zane. Though Chris has some secrets of his own. Can these two work together to get through a book tour, or will their sparks burn down everything they worked for?
First thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!
I had mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand I liked the concept and found it refreshing. Especially because I love books about books/authors. On the other hand I felt that this book was drawn out and lacking in parts.
It was interesting to see how Kelley illustrated the publishing world with the discourse of sexism. Especially when it comes to merely a name and how far it can take you. Which clearly Daphne had realized when she attempted to submit the book the first time. I think Kelley was on to something when she wrote this storyline because as some other famous writers go *ahem* Taylor Swift, woman sometimes think they would get places faster and further if they were a man.
Overall, this book was cute but hard to get into at times. I found myself needing to take breaks and come back in order to finish. If you’re curious and want to give it a read Finding Mr. Write is available now! ...more
First thank you to NetGalley for this ARC, Summers at The Saint is available now!
In a small beach town along the coat of Georgia in the low country, tFirst thank you to NetGalley for this ARC, Summers at The Saint is available now!
In a small beach town along the coat of Georgia in the low country, there are two types of people. Saints and Aint’s. If you’re a Saint you are a member of the prestigious Saint Cecelia resort, a lavish some destination for the wealthiest of families. If you’re an Ain’t, you either work at The Saint or live in the tiny beach town but lack in wealth. Traci was once an Ain’t but after she married into the Eddings family she became a Saint. Now years later Traci is a widow trying to keep St. Cecelia afloat. Her in-laws are no help, so she recruits a crew from different backgrounds to help for the summer. After a tragedy that hits too close to home, secrets are uncovered and Traci is prepared to do anything to save her beloved St. Cecelia.
I was not sure what to expect from this book. This was my first Mary Kay Andrews book and let me tell you it won’t be my last! While the plot started out slow for several chapters, once it started to move it moved along very quickly and I had such a difficult time putting it down.
I was not expecting so many POV’s (I find it hard to keep track sometimes) but for this book it worked for the most part. There were only a few instances that so many pov’s bothered me but overall the variety really helped to tie the story together.
However, the one thing that bothered me the most was the romance plot, it was clearly given in the book’s synopsis however the actual plot line seemed rushed and completely out of left field with no real build up. It was rather instalove and I haven’t a hard time getting into that trope.
Overall, this was a great summer read and is definitely a perfect beach read! (Especially if you have plans to head to the low country this summer!)...more
**spoiler alert** First thank you to NetGalley and Bloom Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I had mixed feelings about this book. Wh**spoiler alert** First thank you to NetGalley and Bloom Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I had mixed feelings about this book. While I was initially intrigued by the premise, the book itself fell flat in a variety of ways.
First, while I understand that this is a Romantic Thriller this book felt rather like an instalove. While there were some moments that skipped along a few weeks, it still seemed to take place within a matter of a few short weeks rather than maybe a couple of months. The two main characters didn’t really seem to have much chemistry other than their sexual tension. And during the moments when the tension did break, their encounters were uncomfortable and borderline non consensual especially in the beginning. Overall, it left me unsettled and uncomfortable.
Second, I felt that the plot of the book was all over the place. We are immediately thrusted into the town of Grimstone and it’s deemed as a weird town but there is nothing to indicate the peculiarity of its inhabitants other than they do not trust Dane based upon what happened to his wife and child. Plus the direction of the story change rather frequently, such as being in the middle of a sexual scene and then the next Dan and Remi are arguing about a fence and it’s no big deal. These moments were rather abrupt and pulled away from the story at times. Plus the writing seemed rather disjointed and that it was written by a high school student rather than an adult.
Lastly, I felt that the big reveal at the end of the book was rather predictable. There were a variety of clues throughout the book that had indicated Jude was the culprit. Such as the shed not being cleaned out, his desire to always wanting to be left alone. So while it gave a thrilling aspect, it wasn’t as dramatic of a plot twist as I had hoped.
Overall, this book was lacking and mediocre at best. It helped to get me in the spirit of the Halloween season but I was left wanting more. ...more
“The scenic route always makes for a better story.�
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Dakota is a tough as nails bull rider with a string of broken hearts trailing her boots. “The scenic route always makes for a better story.�
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Dakota is a tough as nails bull rider with a string of broken hearts trailing her boots. Wyatt is a sweet as honey single father back in Texas ready to win Dakota’s heart. These two used to be childhood friends but haven’t spoken in years. Now they’re back in the same orbit and Wyatt is taking the bull by the horns to try and win the heart of “The Cowboy Killer.�
First of all thank you @meredithtrapp for this ARC!!
This book was so cute! It was so refreshing to see a cowgirl romance instead of the standard cowboy romance. We definitely need more cowgirls in world!
Dakota was feisty in the best ways and Wyatt was the sweetest girl dad. (Seriously I’m obsessed with Vi) I also loved how authentic Dakota was especially when it came to her anxiety surrounding her career in bull riding, it was a very human and well rounded reaction that made me love her all the more.
And this was one of the slowest burns ever! But in the best way, the build up was so so SO worth it. Especially when it came to *that* shower scene. ~swoon~
I highly recommend taking this book for a spin. Homebound is out TODAY!!!...more
**spoiler alert** First thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of The Corpse In the Closet! (If any of you know me, you know I love Lucy Score!)
Riley Thor**spoiler alert** First thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of The Corpse In the Closet! (If any of you know me, you know I love Lucy Score!)
Riley Thorn is back at it again, just on the heels of catching her neighbors murderer, she is asked to consult with her psychic abilities on a case for the local police department as well as deal with psychic bootcamp courtesy of her grandma. But in the wake of how her last case ended, PI Nick Santiago is not ready to let Riley out of his sight. However, he has his own missing persons case to deal with not to mention dealing with his growing feelings for Riley. Can these two solve their cases before everything gets blown to pieces?
This book was so fun and chaotic, I loved it. This book was definitely my favorite between the two books I have read in this series so far. The humor that Lucy weaves into her stories is addicting. Her characters are well rounded and quirky in the best way. I think it’s safe to say my favorite characters are the cast of elderly folks within the home, and Gabe.
While this book was long, it definitely was a fast paced read especially towards the end when I could not put it down and found myself trying to read just a little bit longer before I had to go to work. There were a handful of times I wanted to shake the characters and ask them what their deal was, especially with how obtuse Nick could be when it came to Riley. I mean putting a tracker on her phone and car was a bit much! However, Nick’s logic to just let Riley track him was funny.
Overall, this book was fun and a great read. It is safe to say I am now fully immersed into the Riley Thorn universe. ...more
**spoiler alert** “I used to think that we were forever, ever and I used to say ‘never say never.’�
First thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this boo**spoiler alert** “I used to think that we were forever, ever and I used to say ‘never say never.’�
First thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
Quinn Kelley is working really hard to make her dreams a reality, despite all of the obstacles she is facing. She is trying to not let her chronic illness get in the way of her life and what she wants. However, a wrench gets thrown in her plans when her ex Ty Rossi is back in town for summer break three years after they broke up. When these two are suddenly co-leading the town’s week long festival things get interesting to say the least. Can these two set aside their differences to pull off this town tradition or will they continue to say never.
I had high hopes for this book, when I saw that it had ‘Sweet Home Alabama� and ‘Gilmore Girls� vibes, I was sold. While this book was cute I found it to be lacking and flat in areas.
I enjoyed the chronic illness representation with Quinn, especially since it is not one that is seen very often in books. However, Quinn’s character fell short in regards to feelings. She seemed self centered at times and not observant to other peoples feelings. Ty also fell flat for me, he easily let Quinn push him around to get her way. She also took out all of her frustrations on him when she was just as guilty.
I also felt like their relationship was rather rushed and lacking a spark. Especially after three years being separated it only took less than a week for them to get back together and sort out their issues between each other, which was frustrating because Quinn made their breakup such a big deal throughout the course of the book. In fact it was a very big focus throughout the entire story and just like that it’s swept under the rug with a few simple words.
On the other hand I enjoyed the vibes of ‘Sweet Home Alabama� and ‘Gilmore Girls,� I felt myself smiling and seeing the little threads that tied these together. Specifically Betty and Liv’s mother/daughter relationship was a nice call to that of Lorelei and Rory’s from Gilmore Girls, which made my little heart very happy.
Overall, this book was not horrible but it fell rather flat for me and I really wanted more. However, if you’re looking for a very quick, light and fluffy read this would be the book for you. ...more
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