TITLE: REVEREND OF SILENCE AUTHOR: Pamela Sparkman SERIES: standalone RELEASE DATE: January 14, 2019 GENRE: Historical Fiction, Literary Fict
TITLE: REVEREND OF SILENCE AUTHOR: Pamela Sparkman SERIES: standalone RELEASE DATE: January 14, 2019 GENRE: Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Romance THEMES & TROPES: Disability RATING: 5 Stars CLIFFHANGER: No
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I need to tell you a story. I need to tell someone—if you’re willing to listen. Really listen. That will be the crux of this story. Listening. And not with your ears, but with your mind, your heart. Your soul. It was how she taught me to listen. And it will be how I teach you.
Pamela Sparkman's new novel REVEREND OF SILENCE is a special book. It's not just the stunning cover that certainly draws the eye, it's the story about a deaf girl, her brother and their best friend who will get your tear ducts working and tug at your heartstrings.
In the 1800s people who were deaf were considered only a step above animals, their family cursed for some sin they supposedly committed. It is then that we meet Lucy, Noah and Sam. Sam's deeply ingrained sense for right and wrong is what leads to change. He teaches everyone around him that Lucy is a human being with feelings and worries and that includes even Lucy's family who doesn't really know what to do with her. He is the first to see Lucy, all of her and it's no wonder he falls in love with the girl whose smile is like sunshine.
Then she smiled at me, and when she did, her whole face went soft. And something inside me went soft too.
“H¾±,â€�
I breathed.
“I’m Sam.�
Her smile got bigger. And something else occurred to me. When she smiled like that, she was even prettier than my mama.
Lucy is such a lovely character with a heart of pure gold and a stubborn streak. Noah completes their trio with his steadfastness and his love for Lucy and Sam. He is the kind of guy who takes things into his hands when actions are needed and stands up for what is right. Their bond was inspiring and uplifting and so incredibly tight that it stood every test and trial as long as they were together. I also adored the dynamic between the two families. There was so much warmth and love.
Pamela Sparkman is a master researcher and a perfectionist. With Reverend of Silence she gives us the hard truth of the way people with a disabilities and their family were treated. Even the name for the school Lucy went to, The American Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb, implies the disregard and disrespect these people were considered with. From a today's point of view it's appalling and upsetting. While this story has religious themes, not surprising with Sam's dad being a man of the church, it never becomes preachy or intrusive. This, to me, is one of the things that are of utmost importance - I don't want to feel reprimanded or patronized for not being a religious person.
As a romance lover you definitely get your money's worth. Sam and Lucy's love story is front and center and the heart of this book. Cleverly weaved into the plot are historical facts that help to set the scene and make this story educational and alive. It's a gorgeous, vibrant testimony of friendship and loyalty that will give you hope, hope that love prevails, even in this time we live in. Written in stunning prose you would miss out if you didn't pick this up.
We didn’t need words to communicate. Our hands didn’t try to speak in sign. We spoke in a language that was as old as time itself. And on that night, in that tiny little woodshed, we burned together, and together we rose up into something made whole—into something made new, created out of fire and ash. And it was beautiful.
Merged review:
TITLE: REVEREND OF SILENCE AUTHOR: Pamela Sparkman SERIES: standalone RELEASE DATE: January 14, 2019 GENRE: Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Romance THEMES & TROPES: Disability RATING: 5 Stars CLIFFHANGER: No
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I need to tell you a story. I need to tell someone—if you’re willing to listen. Really listen. That will be the crux of this story. Listening. And not with your ears, but with your mind, your heart. Your soul. It was how she taught me to listen. And it will be how I teach you.
Pamela Sparkman's new novel REVEREND OF SILENCE is a special book. It's not just the stunning cover that certainly draws the eye, it's the story about a deaf girl, her brother and their best friend who will get your tear ducts working and tug at your heartstrings.
In the 1800s people who were deaf were considered only a step above animals, their family cursed for some sin they supposedly committed. It is then that we meet Lucy, Noah and Sam. Sam's deeply ingrained sense for right and wrong is what leads to change. He teaches everyone around him that Lucy is a human being with feelings and worries and that includes even Lucy's family who doesn't really know what to do with her. He is the first to see Lucy, all of her and it's no wonder he falls in love with the girl whose smile is like sunshine.
Then she smiled at me, and when she did, her whole face went soft. And something inside me went soft too.
“H¾±,â€�
I breathed.
“I’m Sam.�
Her smile got bigger. And something else occurred to me. When she smiled like that, she was even prettier than my mama.
Lucy is such a lovely character with a heart of pure gold and a stubborn streak. Noah completes their trio with his steadfastness and his love for Lucy and Sam. He is the kind of guy who takes things into his hands when actions are needed and stands up for what is right. Their bond was inspiring and uplifting and so incredibly tight that it stood every test and trial as long as they were together. I also adored the dynamic between the two families. There was so much warmth and love.
Pamela Sparkman is a master researcher and a perfectionist. With Reverend of Silence she gives us the hard truth of the way people with a disabilities and their family were treated. Even the name for the school Lucy went to, The American Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb, implies the disregard and disrespect these people were considered with. From a today's point of view it's appalling and upsetting. While this story has religious themes, not surprising with Sam's dad being a man of the church, it never becomes preachy or intrusive. This, to me, is one of the things that are of utmost importance - I don't want to feel reprimanded or patronized for not being a religious person.
As a romance lover you definitely get your money's worth. Sam and Lucy's love story is front and center and the heart of this book. Cleverly weaved into the plot are historical facts that help to set the scene and make this story educational and alive. It's a gorgeous, vibrant testimony of friendship and loyalty that will give you hope, hope that love prevails, even in this time we live in. Written in stunning prose you would miss out if you didn't pick this up.
We didn’t need words to communicate. Our hands didn’t try to speak in sign. We spoke in a language that was as old as time itself. And on that night, in that tiny little woodshed, we burned together, and together we rose up into something made whole—into something made new, created out of fire and ash. And it was beautiful.
EDIT TO ADD: WHEEEEEEEE! Holden gets his own book! If you haven't read LEO, do it before you read Holden :D Add to your TBR! EDIT TO ADD: WHEEEEEEEE! Holden gets his own book! If you haven't read LEO, do it before you read Holden :D Add to your TBR! /book/show/5...
TITLE: LEO AUTHOR: Jay McLean SERIES: Preston Brothers #3 RELEASE DATE: August 11, 2020 GENRE: New Adult, Coming of Age THEMES & TROPES: Mental Health Issues, Friends to Lovers RATING: ALL OF THE STARS CLIFFHANGER: No
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It's been so long since I read a story by Jay McLean and, boy, did I miss the Preston Clan. I loved Logan and Lucas (although they are punks in Leo's story) but Leo? No. Words. I will never do the beauty of this book justice and it's hard to put the multitude of feelings it evoked into words.
Leo is the quiet Preston brother, the one the whole family relies on. He listens in a way not many do. He only speaks when he has something important to say and when he speaks people listen. But sometimes his words get jumbled in his mind he is unable to speak up when it's important which drives away the girl he has been in love with since I first saw her as a kid. I loved Leo. So much. This young man was everything parents want in a son. He was kind, so kind, and his love for Mia so fierce it almost hurt. I want to sing his praises and write love songs and books about him. He's a once-in-a-lifetime guy. Once you're in love with him there is no one who will measure up.
“I’ve known you for ten years, Mia, and you still do crazy things to my heart.�
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And Mia knows that. From the day they met they were lost to one another and no one else ever stood a chance. Mia's tender heart got stomped on since she was just a toddler. Her mom left her with her grandfather when she was three years old, her dad not very interested in raising his daughter. The result: Mia has ABANDONMENT ISSUES. Yes, in caps because that's how bad they are. And Leo is the best to take care of her heart but, you know, life is a mothereffin' bitch. Mia's issues lead to more issues and I just wanted to wrap my arms around her and help her. This girl had all my love throughout the story and thank God she had people like her Papa and Holden, her best friend, and Tammy, his mom, in her life. They were vital to her life.
Did Leo and Mia make good life choices? Not always, both of them fumbled and failed at life at some point but these are young, inexperienced people. What's important is how you react to these poor choices and make up for them and both of them grew throughout the story.
Mia and I—together—we deserve more than just one moment. We deserve a lifetime.Â
When I saw the length of this book I was a little intimidated. It's BIG but I was so totally enthralled and captivated by the words, it didn't feel long. And A LOT of things happen, you don't have the time to get bored. The story spans a decade and we get to watch Mia and Leo grow up from the time they first meet until they are in their twenties. We witness how they fall in love and never fall out of it. We are there when they struggle, when they battle their demons and in the end come out stronger for it. It was sheer beauty.
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Jay McLean has writing angst down pat. LEO is a slow burn romance that made me rage, laugh, and the author made it hurt so good and I teared up more times than I want to admit. But Jay McLean also made the pain worth it because at the end of the book I just wanted more despite the beautiful epilogue that was the cherry on top. Jay gets better with each book, her talent shines brightly from the pages, her words are powerful and beautiful. She writes about important, timeless issues that we need to talk about, in a way that they are relatable even if your life isn't affected by them. I really wouldn't mind getting the next book soon. LEO goes straight on my favorites shelf.
“I’m going to spend my entire existence proving that you have, are, and will always be perfect to me.�
TITLE: THE UNSEEN AUTHOR: Thea Harrison SERIES: Elder Races #9.9 RELEASE DATE: July 3, 2020 GENRE: PNR THEMES & TROPES: Shifters RATING: 5 STA
TITLE: THE UNSEEN AUTHOR: Thea Harrison SERIES: Elder Races #9.9 RELEASE DATE: July 3, 2020 GENRE: PNR THEMES & TROPES: Shifters RATING: 5 STARS CLIFFHANGER: YES
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There are characters that are unforgettable and when the author tells you that she's done with them and there won't be any further stories then they leave a vacuum behind. Pia and Dragos are pretty much my all time favorite PNR couple and I just can't get enough. So when Thea Harrison decided to document their move into the Otherworld Rhyacia it was like Christmas and Easter and birthday and every other holiday on the same day for me.
Pia and Dragos's relationship has come so far. Pia has really grown into her own. The tragedies and tough times she experiences have left a mark and a backbone of steel and iron will that wasn't as obvious before. She was never a doormat but now she's a sweet but feisty herbivore unicorn who stands up for herself.
Dragos is still mystified by women, even after years of marriage. I always get a kick out of seeing this ancient, most powerful dragon bamboozled by stuff Pia does or says. It's really a hoot. When this almost godlike creature very reluctantly adopts an ugly mutt the hilarity has no end. Seeing Dragos's fierce love for Pia is always a highlight - that's something the author does so well.
And there it was, that moment, with happiness dancing in her aquamarine gaze and the air around her effervescent with her Power—that moment was what the dragon would do anything and kill anyone for. That moment was what he lived for. That one, and then the one after that, and the one after that, all grouped together in his mind like luminous pearls on a string. Each one came to him new, a perpetual gift of joyful surprise, and as rich as he was, and as many jewels as he’d acquired, those moments were the sum total of the dragon’s true treasure.
Dragos and Pia's move to their new home doesn't go smoothly. Along for the ride are many familiar faces like Graydon and Beluviel, Tricks and Tiago, only to name a few. Seeing them again really makes me want to re-read the whole series.
The cliffhanger Thea leaves us with is brutal. I hope she writes fast like the wind because I can't wait to continue this story. I adored this journey back into the world of the Elder Races and I hope Thea Harrison keeps writing stories about this fascinating universe and the mythical creatures inhabiting it. This was a beautiful start to this serial.
For him, love was a collection of moments like this. Strung together like luminous pearls on a string
TITLE: DEAR ENEMY AUTHOR: Kristen Callihan RELEASE DATE: March 31, 2020 GENRE: Contemporary Romance THEMES & TROPES: Enemies-to-Lovers, Forc
TITLE: DEAR ENEMY AUTHOR: Kristen Callihan RELEASE DATE: March 31, 2020 GENRE: Contemporary Romance THEMES & TROPES: Enemies-to-Lovers, Forced Proximity, Hollywood RATING: 4.5 STARS CLIFFHANGER: No
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THIS! This is why I love reading and this is what has been missing for me lately. The feeling of excitement, being unable to put the book down just to go pee. Yeah, I'm going there people. DEAR ENEMY is a flawlessly executed enemies-to-lovers romance that follows a sassy heroine and a brooding hero with lots of humor, emotions and a pinch of angst to keep it interesting.
Macon was the perfect hero - growing up he was a real jerk to Delilah but there are just enough hints to give the reader an inkling that this isn't just pure malice, that there is something cooking we aren't privy to yet. Over the course of the story I fell in love with Macon's kindness, his thoughts about Delilah and how he opened up to her about his childhood and youth.
Delilah is pretty. Quietly pretty. She will never be the first person everyone looks at when entering a room. Especially not in LA, where beautiful women bloom like flowers in a well-tended garden. But among a bouquet of perfect roses, Delilah is much like her namesake flower—unexpectedly vivid and complex—making you realize that roses are boring in comparison.
He seemed so self-confident, so larger-than-life on the outside that no one bothered to look what's behind the facade.
With Delilah I got one of my favorite heroines - sassy, snarky, smart, deeply loyal and adaptive. A person who keeps the hero on his toes, who listens and learns, who makes mistakes and knows how to say sorry and how to forgive. And there was a lot to forgive when it came to Macon - he really was the worst and total punk as a teenager. For Delilah it wasn't the grudge that was hard to get over though but her insecurities that Macon caused and they would flare up frequently. Macon's openness and his true remorse helped her to get over it though and earned him her absolute trust. He didn't let up when he realized that it was his childhood enemy he wanted and went after her with every tool in his repertoire.
"Did I take advantage? Yeah, I did. But it was never about control or payback. It was the only way I knew I could be close to you. We parted with so much hate and hurt between us. I wanted a chance to get to know who you are now. For me to show you who I am.�
I also loved Delilah for her steadfastness, her loyalty, her unshakable love for her sister although she wasn't blind to Sam's many flaws (boy, did I hate her). Both of the main characters experienced immense growth that left me completely satisfied in the end.
"You're killing me, Tot. I don't know whether I'm coming or going with you."
The stalker aspect of the story was a prominent part of the story and I expected a showdown which I was deprived of. It wasn't a big deal and didn't take away from my enjoyment but I thought this could have been handled a liiittle bit better. I loved the food references, the way Delilah expressed herself with food, how she told stories and experiences through it. This was so well done.
I'm a huge fan of Kristen Callihan's writing - I loved every single book I read by her in the past. She writes with heart and humor, her heroines and heroes are always strong, people who seem real with all their flaws but still so darn likable. DEAR ENEMY falls right into this category. I'm now looking forward to what she has next in store for us. Maybe we get a book about North, Macon's awesome bodyguard? I think he deserves a HEA.
"I'm going to love you, Macon Saint. So long and so hard you're not going to remember what it feels like to be without love."
TITLE: BEACH READ AUTHOR: Emily Henry SERIES: Standalone RELEASE DATE: May 19, 2020 GENRE: Contemporary Romance THEMES & TROPES: Smalltown Roman
TITLE: BEACH READ AUTHOR: Emily Henry SERIES: Standalone RELEASE DATE: May 19, 2020 GENRE: Contemporary Romance THEMES & TROPES: Smalltown Romance, Second Chance RATING: ALL OF THE STARS CLIFFHANGER: No
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Man. This book is special. The characters are special. I'm blown away. When I saw the high ratings for THE BEACH READ I was cautious as I always am with early review but they are all true! This author has enormous talent. There were beautiful lines like. .... and. ... and other times I was laughing and giggling. Other times I'd swoon over Gus or my heart broke for him and January. This story has everything you want in a book.
Gus is the glass half empty kind of guy and his insecurities make him feel so real. His whole life, his childhood, his college and adult years people failed him. January is the opposite. She is the romantic type who witnessed her parents' marriage and thought it was perfect until she learns that her sweet, bookish dad cheated on her mom. With him having passed away, she's unable to ask the question she has a right to know about. Angry and sad, she flees to the country to find solace and peace.
Both January and Gus are writers and for the first time I realized how painful writer's block must be. When your creative outlet is hampered by emotional baggage. While they try to find back into the groove they start to spend time together. after their rocky start they find they have more in common than they first thought.
As different as I’d thought we were, it felt a little bit like Gus and I were two aliens who’d stumbled into each other on Earth only to discover we shared a native language.
I loved their beginnings, there were a lot of laugh-out-loud funny scenes I adored. And as Gus and January's emotional bond grew I was so firmly in their corner that I felt every heartbreak they went through. I loved them so hard - these two gave me all the feels.
The notes they wrote to each other and their clever banter were an endless source of laughter and swoons.
JANUARY, JANUARY, WHEREFORE ART THOU, JANUARY?
The message was ironic. The butterflies in my chest were not. I pushed the box onto the table and grabbed my notebook, scribbling in it. I held the note up.
New phone who dis
This story deserves every praise it's getting. I had so much fun reading it. I am super excited to have found a new author whose writing is everything I look for in stories. This was absolutely heartwarming and beautiful.
“I do, you know,� he said. It was almost a whisper, a tender, rugged thing like Gus himself. “Care about you.�
TITLE: YOU WERE THERE TOO AUTHOR: Colleen Oakley RELEASE DATE: January 7, 2020 GENRE: Fiction, Women's Fiction THEMES & TROPES: Family, Marr
TITLE: YOU WERE THERE TOO AUTHOR: Colleen Oakley RELEASE DATE: January 7, 2020 GENRE: Fiction, Women's Fiction THEMES & TROPES: Family, Marriage, Supernatural RATING: ALL OF THE F*CKING STARS CLIFFHANGER: No, but open ending
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Maybe instead of wondering why we’re all connected, what’s important—the only thing that’s important—is to know that we are.
I think you need to experience this story with as little information as possible. What you need to know though is that this is not romance - but it's a love story. This book does not have a classical happily ever after. I was honest to God scared about this book before I started - I love my HEAs and I rarely read books that don't have one. So I steeled my heart (to no avail, of course) and went in.
In YOU WERE THERE TOO we meet Harrison and Mia, a married couple who, on the outside, have everything. They are for all intents and purposes happy together. But of course it can't stay that way. As it is often the case, miscommunication leads to rocky times.
 Love isn’t supposed to hurt. But really, if you’re doing it right, love hurts all the time.
Here are the things I absolutely loved about this story:
The characters Mia - so damned likable, relatable and human. She'd had dreams about another man for years - when she met Oliver she felt safe enough to talk to Harrison about it - I really loved that. She struggled with her attraction to Oliver but at no time I doubted her deep love for her husband. Harrison - this man was so incredibly good and kind and funny. And so so troubled. I wanted to hug him hard and talk some sense into him. My heart broke for him. Oliver - I wanted to dislike him. I really did but I couldn't because he, too, was a good guy who was confused about the dreams he'd had.
The plot * This story must have been a nightmare to plot. Everything, every word, every gesture, every scene serves a purpose. And everything is tied up with a bow and at no time the author takes the easy way out. It was so well planned and executed that I was left pretty speechless at the end of it. * There is also a certain balance and righteousness that gives everything sense and purpose. * It was so unpredictable and unique, I just couldn't put it down until I had all the answers. * The realism despite the metaphysical aspect was astounding.
Mia’s sadness is his sadness and he’d carry it around with him like water in a bucket until the end of his days if it meant that she didn’t have to.
Mia and Harrison * I adored them together. I thought they had a strong marriage but the author shows the reader that even a solid relationship can get in trouble. Their love for one another was so palpable, despite everything. * The despair I felt when they were at an impasse was...I only wanted them to be happy again. I rooted so hard for their relationship.
And in that moment, our eyes locked, I see my husband, and I remember all at once how much I love him. And I wonder how I could ever forget, even for a second.
The impeccable writing * This author can write up a storm. She has so much talent, it's crazy. I want to see her writing romance - I'm sure she'd be incredible.
Sprinkled in between you have light moments that take the edge off of the angst but at the same time I hated them because they were so sweet and I knew it wouldn't stay that way.
This year is six days old and I've already read two amazing books by authors I've never read before. I can't believe my luck. With YOU WERE THERE TOO Colleen Oakley ripped my heart out and never put it back together, yet I can't be mad at her. This book left me sad, yes, but also with a sense of hope - the end is left open and that's good. Everything else would cheapen what these characters went through. This thought-provoking story was hard to read but I'm so glad I took a chance. It will linger with me for a while. Colleen earned herself a spot on my auto-read list.
TITLE: RELEASE AUTHOR: Aly Martinez SERIES: Standalone RELEASE DATE: January 5, 2020 GENRE: Contemporary Romance THEMES & TROPES: Second-Chan
TITLE: RELEASE AUTHOR: Aly Martinez SERIES: Standalone RELEASE DATE: January 5, 2020 GENRE: Contemporary Romance THEMES & TROPES: Second-Chance, Friends to Lovers RATING: All of the Stars CLIFFHANGER: No
(live on Jan 2nd)
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Time and timing is the theme that drives RELEASE. The time when Ramsay Stewart entered Thea Hull's life. The time it took for them to become friends. When they shared their first kissed. When they went far beyond kissing for the first time. And when Ramsey left Thea's side for just a moment and their lives changed yet again. And the years that followed after, when Thea was counting every day, every minute, every second, until she would see the man again who told her he didn't love her anymore.
“Because when I was ten years old, I met a boy. I hated him. But I needed him like my veins needed blood. He broke my leg. He broke my patience. And eventually he broke my heart. But there hasn’t been a minute that’s passed that I haven’t loved him with every single broken shard.�
Thea hated Ramsay when she met him but at that time she would have hated anyone, there was so much bitterness in her. Ramsay's smile, his cheerfulness, his persistence of not letting Thea's abrasive behavior drive him away broke through her walls and they became first best friends, then lovers and then...nothing. The tables have turned and it is now Thea fighting for Ramsay. Isn't that beautifully righteous? And fight she does. Damn that girl can play dirty. I loved how she just soldiered on although she was dying inside from the hurt Ramsay delivered because he thought he needed to protect her.
I’m not giving up on you, Ramsey. I don’t care if you want me to. I don’t care if it means you ice me out for all of eternity. I don’t even care that you’ve already quit on me. I once promised that it was you and me forever. Do you remember that? You made me swear it.�
Ramsay was perfect for Thea. He hid his awful family life and abandonment issues behind a perma-smile, took care of everyone and everything who needed him. And he paid for it. The weeks following his release from prison, his adjustment to life outside his cell was heartbreaking to watch but the author managed to infuse some humor (cue Siri) that lightened the mood and helped to handle the emotional roller coaster. And this is what Aly excels at - her stories are perfectly balanced and never drift into the trap of too much angst.
“I can’t do this without you.� “Do what?� He lifted one shoulder in a half shrug. “Breathe.�
Thea and Ramsay are two of the most resilient people I've read about in a while - they have that survivor's gene that just won't let them give up, no matter how dire the situation looks. But I guess, when you know you're fighting for your soul mate there is no such thing as giving up. Thea and Ramsay were meant to be but until they were allowed to have their happily ever after my heart took quite a beating. But that's Aly Martinez for you - she makes you hurt and earn those happy moments. She makes sure that you deserve that happy ending when you get there.
"Sometimes you have to let go of the life you planned in order to live the one you’re given."
RELEASE is told in the present and a long flashback in the beginning, that takes up about a third of the story. I loved watching Thea and Ramsay's friendship grow into more but for a short while I was a little worried that the page time that was left wouldn't be enough to address every thing that needed to be tied up. But I shouldn't have worried. This book left me satisfied in every way. In typical Aly Martinez fashion there is a twist there you don't see coming. While you're reading and feeling quite safe and optimistic, all of a sudden you're left reeling and flailing and wondering WTF just happened. I LOVE that.
If you always wanted to try one of Aly Martinez's books, this is a great place to start. RELEASE is a complete standalone with new characters that will give you all the feels, some humor, intense storytelling and a beautiful story about soulmates who deserve their HEA.
And then Ramsey kissed me, deep and frantic like a boy. Gentle and skilled like a man. All-consuming and claiming like my forever. And he did it all tasting like watermelon gum.
TITLE: ALMOST JUST FRIENDS AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis SERIES: Wildstone #4 RELEASE DATE: January 21, 2020 GENRE: Women's Fiction, strong romance fo
TITLE: ALMOST JUST FRIENDS AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis SERIES: Wildstone #4 RELEASE DATE: January 21, 2020 GENRE: Women's Fiction, strong romance focus THEMES & TROPES: Small Town Romance, Family, Addiction, Grief RATING: 5 Stars CLIFFHANGER: No
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The WILDSTONE series by Jill Shalvis is the highlight of my reading time. These stories just warm my heart. In ALMOST JUST FRIENDS Piper meets Camden, who is pretty badass working for the DEA and the coast guard reserve. Piper and her siblings inherited a house and a couple of cottages from their grandparents. After raising her now grown up sister and brother she finally wants to live her own life, sell the property and go back to school. But she didn't see Cam coming, the guy she thought she could have a good time with and then leave. Neither did she realize that her wayward siblings had other plans with their inheritance. And secrets. So many secrets.
Piper was a self confessed control freak, making lists, not giving her trust easily. I loved that I still could follow her thought process although she was so closed off - this usually annoys me. Not Piper - she'd been a mom and caretaker of her siblings and never had the chance to actually live. Then Gavin and Winnie showed up with their baggage and secrets and at first I couldn't understand why they didn't tell Piper what was going on with them but in the end I understood that, like I hated to disappoint my parents so did Gavin and Winnie. I just wish they had trusted her a little bit more.
“You were my mom, my dad, my friend, and oftentimes also my enforcer,� Gavin said. “But you’ve never been my sister. You’ve never let me be your brother. You’ve never let me be there for you, Piper, not once. You need to stop protecting me. I’m grown, I’m good, and that’s all thanks to you. But I want to be siblings. I want to be equals. I want to be the one to help you for a change.�
I adored the relationship Cam and Piper had. They were open and affectionate with one another. I don't know how Jill Shalvis does it but her heroes are among my favorites. They are always such good men with so much heart and humor and a huge capacity to love. Cam had some demons of his own but he felt really balanced and centered to me.
Piper wasn't in it for something long-term at first - whenever her former relationships became too serious she bailed. Adding to that was the fact that she wouldn't be around for much longer in Wildstone. But Cam was the kind of man who would give up everything for the right woman and for the first time in her life Piper learned what it meant to be a priority for someone. I loved that so much for her. She'd sacrificed so much of her life, she deserved happiness and it was so heartwarming to see that she finally got that.
Even when she was an unlovable mess, he looked at her in a way that stole her breath every time. He was her person.
As per usual with the Wildstone books we get three POVs. The third POV in this story belongs to Gavin who stole my heart. When he returns to Wildstone after years he has to make amends with the live he left without a word. CJ didn't make it hard for Gavin and he forgave his ex-lover pretty quickly. Gavin really had changed from the irresponsible boy. He took things seriously and didn't want to get off-track again.
I also loved Winnie and although I thought it was pretty awful to not trust Piper with everything she was a sweet girl. I wish Jill would give us her story. These books are complete stand-alones and the characters aren't connected except for the rare mention, so chances may be slim that we'll see more if Winnie. But, such is life and I'll get over it.
Whenever I'm on the last pages of a Jill Shalvis book my heart is always full. She writes the most satisfying stories that always make me laugh despite addressing serious topics like grief or addiction. Her characters have a warmth to them that make me come back for more of her books. She's a sure bet for me and although this series is shelved as "Women's Fiction" it is heavily focused on the romance. June can't come soon enough. That's when the next in this series, THE SUMMER DEAL, will be released.
“I can’t be the girl who changes her plans for the guy,�
she whispered.
“I know.�
His hand covered hers.
“But I can be the guy who changes his plans for a girl.�
TITLE: LOVE LETTERING AUTHOR: Kate Clayborn RELEASE DATE: December 31, 2019 GENRE: Contemporary Romance THEMES & TROPES: Opposites Attract RA
TITLE: LOVE LETTERING AUTHOR: Kate Clayborn RELEASE DATE: December 31, 2019 GENRE: Contemporary Romance THEMES & TROPES: Opposites Attract RATING: 5 Stars CLIFFHANGER: No
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When I read a sample of LOVE LETTERING a while ago, I knew I had to have this book. Kate Clayborn is a new-to-me author but what jumped right at me was her insane talent to bring multi-faceted characters to life over the course of a couple of pages and from a single point of view. I was so intrigued that I wanted to see if the rest of the story would be able to fulfill the promise.
Meg's whole thought process is built around letters. As a hand-lettering artist that's not surprising but it may distract you at first since she uses graphic design jargon. Fear not, it's not rocket science and if you know a little about fonts this will be fun because visualizing the things Meg saw in her mind became my favorite past time while reading this book. So heads up - this may start out a little slower for some readers.
Meg and Reid are like Yin and Yang. Coffee and milk. Gin and Tonic. Ice cream and cone. You get the gist. Total opposites but perfect for one another. While Meg's creative, loyal and sweet character is being revealed through her thoughts, Reid's needs to be uncovered one layer after another through Meg's experience with him. To him numbers are what letters are to Meg, and if you thought you've read about multi-layered characters, try Reid Sutherland. At the beginning he comes across a bit stuffy, formal sometimes even a little rude and a lot sad but the deeper you get to know him the more his softer, more romantic and playful side becomes apparent. There is an unexpected sweetness to him that just had me fall head over heels for him.
I know that I could have my eyes closed this way and I’d still know Reid’s kiss anywhere, because Reid’s kiss is everything I like about Reid—firm and direct, with a sweetness you have to know to truly recognize.
Meg loves New York as much as Reid hates it. Together they discover the city from a completely different point of view by inventing games they play on their strolls together. And this is where the magic happens - I loved how Meg reflects on everything she does, how willing Reid is to learn Meg's language and how they obviously make each other happy. How Meg, who shies away from conflict in the beginning learns how to confront issues straight on. How this reserved man opens up to her and finds delight and love for the city he couldn't wait to leave in the beginning.
“You’re the best part of this city,� he whispers...
There is no point in the story where you can point at and say that they fell in love right there and then. It's a gradual, slow burn that will have you giddy for all their firsts.
LOVE LETTERING is a clever, beautifully written story that shines and sparkles brilliantly and has so much depth and a lot of sweetness that never gets cloying. I enjoyed the development of Reid and Meg's relationship, the friendships that are an integral part of Meg's life and the twist towards the end, that took me by surprise. This book made me happy, so happy that I went and bought the audiobook. I'll be checking out Kate Clayborn's backlist!
It feels like floating, like being untethered. Like writing without letters. Like counting without numbers. It feels like love.
TITLE: CHASING CASSANDRA AUTHOR: Lisa Kleypas SERIES: The Ravenels #6 RELEASE DATE: February 18, 2020 GENRE: Historical Romance RATING: 5 STAR
TITLE: CHASING CASSANDRA AUTHOR: Lisa Kleypas SERIES: The Ravenels #6 RELEASE DATE: February 18, 2020 GENRE: Historical Romance RATING: 5 STARS CLIFFHANGER: No
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When I met Tom Severin in this series I was so intrigued by his characterization. He came across a little cutthroat, cunning, opportunistic and a little manipulative and calculating. And he is all that to be sure but I felt that he wasn't born with these traits so I'm glad I finally found out what made him so. Tom's childhood wasn't the easiest but he made the best of it. When he meets Cassandra he is head over heels in lust but him being the man who has limited his emotional repertoire to five feelings total, he is positive that he can't offer what she deserves.
Cassandra is a woman who hides her quiet strength and backbone behind charm and sweetness. With her endearing personality she transforms Tom into the man he was supposed to be. And makes it look like it was his idea too. With her gentle force he learns that he actually has more than five emotions to offer and while he first is convinced that that love isn't part of his repertoire it shines through in every action. His protectiveness extends to a street urchin and I was moved by the way he softened toward Bazzle. There is so much more to this man than meets the eye and I feel like I'm not doing these characters and the story justice.
And there he stood, with his heart in his fist. What was the name of this feeling?
Charming and delightful banter is something you can always expect in a Lisa Kleypas romance and I ADORED the dialogues.
“You’re trying to appear as harmless as a lamb. But we both know you’re not.�
“I have lamblike moments,�
Tom said. At her dubious glance, he insisted,
“I’m having one right now. I’m one hundred percent lamb.�
I especially loved Tom's friendships with the Ravenels, Winterborne and St. Vincent. Their friendly ribbing was oh so funny and I was glad to see that all of them ultimately offered Tom the respect he deserved even though it may not have seemed that way at first.
As always this author captivates you with fabulous, lovable characters, there isn't much in the way of angst or drama but that's fine with me! I hope Ms Kleypas continues to write Historical Romance although I'm sure her Contemporary Romance is fantastic. The way she expresses the emotions of her characters, her words, her stories, they are just sublime and like a melody that settles in your heart.
“There are no limits to what I would do for you.�
TITLE: THE GUY IN THE MIDDLE AUTHOR: Kate Stewart SERIES: The Underdogs #3 RELEASE DATE: September 20, 2019 GENRE: Sports Romance THEMES & TRO
TITLE: THE GUY IN THE MIDDLE AUTHOR: Kate Stewart SERIES: The Underdogs #3 RELEASE DATE: September 20, 2019 GENRE: Sports Romance THEMES & TROPES: Second Chance, Bullying RATING: ALL OF THE STARS CLIFFHANGER: Yes
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What if this moment, right here, is the moment that changes your life?
last October - it was released as a novella as part of the Team Player 2 anthology. I was not happy with the cliffhanger but I knew, I KNEW Kate Stewart would make this story worth the wait. It started out so epic with Lance and Harper being completely wrapped up in their love and when the cliffy came I was a little mad at Harper for the way she left things. But just as I predicted last fall it all made sense in the end. But let me start at the beginning.
This book was so chock-full of angst and emotions with a touch of humor that this author is known for. My heart soared after Harper and Lance's reunion two years after Harper went to New York - the love is still there but Lance also feels resentment and it soon becomes obvious that this isn't so easily overcome. This time though, Harper is ready to fight for Lance and she pulls out all the stops. This quiet, moody man doesn't go easy on Harper though and I have to say I admired Harper for her resilience. I would have thrown the towel at some point - I was starting to wonder how many rejections, how much hurt a human heart can take.
I want so much to believe her, to let her back in, but she’s made it hard to trust her.
But of course Kate Stewart doesn't make us suffer for nothing. As always there is a good reason for the emotional roller coaster. Harper's reasons for how she handled the events in the novella, how deeply her issues affected her become clearer this time. Learning to love herself comes at a price but this time she's willing to pay it. I loved Harper's growth, the fight she had in her, the strength to get up, straighten her crown and try again. At no time I felt that the cost for this fight was her pride even when she begged.
Lance on the other hand, was a bit of a dick this time. Even though he's on an upward trajectory in his boxing career he is on a self destructive path in his private life and it's not pretty. Things really become unmanageable with him and he stands to lose everything...and here is where Kate's twists come in. They always land out of nowhere, slap you in the face and all you hear is the author's maniacal laugh. In hindsight, everything these two went through made perfect sense. The things they had to work through, to learn, to experience, it had to be this way otherwise it wouldn't have been the epic love story Lance and Harper were. There is some epic grovelling that completely satisfied my need for justice.
I am his. I’ll always be his. Since the day I met him, he boxed his way into my heart, my champion, my fighter, my nemesis, my undoing, my everything.
This story is a lot about self love, the love that makes you accept your deficiencies and emphasize the great things about you. It's the kind of love for yourself that actually makes people shine. And shine Lance and Harper do in the end. That epilogue was so damned wonderful I can't even put it into words. It's rare these days that a book really grabs me so thoroughly that I can't put it down. THE GUY IN THE MIDDLE dragged me out of my book funk and had me read until late at night, full-well knowing that I'd have to show up for an exam the next day. This is why I read. This is what I missed.
Kate Stewart plays in a league of her own and she brings her A-game for this one. She squeezes the emotions (and tears) out of you. It's why she has me as a loyal reader.
Heart stuttering, I cling to him, knowing that from this moment forward, all my steps will always lead back to him. This isn’t commitment. This is forever.
Astrid - The Bookish Sweet Tooth
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