Review: If All Else Sails by Emma St. Clair

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

 

About the Book

In this enemies-to-lovers romance, school nurse Josie and her brother's best friend--hockey player Wyatt Jacobs--are tricked into spending a summer together that's anything but smooth sailing.

When Josie's brother sends her to a random address for their (sometimes) annual Super Summer Sibling Extravaganza, she finds neither siblings nor extravaganzas. Instead, ends up at a run-down cottage on the Northern Neck of Virginia occupied by a hockey player she knows and loathes.

A hockey player who isn't just one of her sports agent brother's clients. He's also his best friend. And Josie's sworn enemy.

Oh--and her brother wants Josie to help Wyatt recover from his injury.

Dragging grumpy hockey players to physical therapy is a far cry from bandaging skinned knees, but for the price her brother offers to pay, Josie is willing to try.

Even if it means sharing what she dubs the quaint little murder cottage with Wyatt.

Begrudgingly, Josie starts to see a little more of the man behind the grumpy exterior. And when she finds out he was supposed to sail the Intracoastal Waterway south to Savannah scattering his uncle's ashes, Josie surprises even herself by offering to be Wyatt's first mate.

Smooth sailing is nowhere to be found, and Josie begins to wonder if they'll be able to make it home without killing--or kissing?--each other.

And yet, the longer they share cramped quarters and canned food, the more of Wyatt's layers she peels back until Josie realizes she misunderstood him, their shared history, and perhaps herself as well.

My Review

Emma St. Clair is one of my top must-read authors because of the humor and depth she brings to her stories! She skillfully writes the perfect balance of entertaining scenes with characters that allow us to connect to their emotions and invest in not only the romance of their relationship but also they way they grow through their experiences. I loved Wyatt and Josie's yin yang personalities. They complement each other so well! The banter was on point during both the rocky waves and smooth sailing of their frenemies to more relationship. They became confidants, and supported each other through healing both physical and emotional. Such great chemistry too! The sailing adventure got them out of the "murder cottage" and blew fresh air through the story, bringing a new dynamic and partnership. Loved this story and plan to read it again!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Review: Uneasy Street by Becky Wade

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

About the Book

Once upon a time Max Cirillo and Sloane Madison were close friends and business partners. But when their business relationship imploded, so did the friendship.

Now, four years later, Max is a rich CEO. Sloane’s a not-so-rich etiquette expert who returns to Maine to serve as her niece’s temporary guardian and help the girl search for her birth father. Sloane and her niece move into a darling garage apartment but Sloane’s joy in their accommodations soon turns to horror when she realizes their apartment belongs to Max. Thanks to an unbreakable lease, she’s stuck living right next door to him.

Max pulled strings to bring Sloane into his orbit because he needs closure on what went wrong between them. Quickly, though, his scheming comes back to bite him. The world might view him as a cold-hearted rake, but this one woman has dangerous power over his emotions.

They’ll have no choice but to confront their history—and the undeniable spark between them—while living side by side on uneasy street.

Discover witty humor, rich emotion, banter, and charm within the pages of this sweet enemies-to-lovers romance!

My Review

I have enjoyed this series and the stories woven throughout. I would recommend reading them in order for fullest understanding of the backstory that is introduced in the first book and continued in each following. I was so curious about Max and was excited for the author to peel back his layers. "Uneasy" is the perfect word to describe the vibe of Max and Sloane's reunion since the actions and hurts of the past were never fully expressed or understood. Sloane's niece Ivy provided a buffer zone for the two of them and surprisingly helped them reconcile. I loved Ivy's presence and her own journey of discovery. We also get the continuing drama of Max's mother who is formidable, yet on a journey of her own. This author excels at redeeming complicated family dynamics and leaving the reader with a feeling of inspiration.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Sons of Scandal series

 

 

Review: Marrying the Matchmaker by Jody Hedlund

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

 

About the Book

As the middle child of the Shanahan family, Zaira does her best to keep the peace. She doesn't share her dream of becoming a published author with her family to spare herself their disapproval. When she's caught in a scandal involving the local matchmaker, Bellamy McKenna, she must put her storytelling ability to good use and feign a match with him to avoid wagging tongues and her parents' anger.

Feeling the growing pressure to marry as a well-known, yet single matchmaker to St. Louis's Irish community, Bellamy reluctantly agrees to a temporary match with Zaira. But even though the matchmakers in his family might be able to find love for others, they have a history of disastrous relationships for themselves. When secrets and danger force Zaira and Bellamy to work together, is it finally the matchmaker's turn to be lucky in love?

My Review

I loved the first three books in the Shanahan Match series, so I had high expectations for Bellamy's story as the matchmaker himself gets matched. While I was glad to read the book and see how the series ended, it didn't meet the standard set by the previous books. I'll share what I liked first, then the things that prevented me from being fully immersed in the story. The historical details about the cholera outbreak and the impact it had on the community following the recovery was the highlight for me. I love learning about history through fiction since it makes it come to life in my mind. I appreciated the story line of the two rescued children that Zaira and Bellamy care for. It brought a feeling of hope and had a heartwarming resolution.

 

With Bellamy being a major supporting character in the previous books, there wasn't much character introduction or development in this one. I didn't feel connected to Zaira, even as the story progressed. Both Bellamy and Zaira were likeable and they had chemistry, but there was too much deception to establish a friendship, let alone a relationship with a foundation. Their thoughts about their physical attraction to each other was so over the top. I like it when the couple is attracted to each other, but it overshadowed more important development that could have brought more depth to their relationship. The parents and siblings felt two-dimensional and their interactions with Bellamy and Zaira were kept surface level. I was disappointed that this final story concluded a wonderful series with a fizzle.

 

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the previous books in the Shanahan Match series

 

 

Review: Engaging Irene by Chalon Linton

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

About the Book

Two years ago Peter Jamison left home to train as a clergyman. Now he's returned with his ordination only to find that while some things have changed, others have not: his eldest brother is still not engaged to his longtime crush. Eager to see Geoffrey happily settled, Peter relies on his talent for bolstering others and proposes a brotherly wager: the first man to the altar wins. 

Irene Stephens is new to Halsham. The orphaned ward of Lord and Lady Granby, she can’t seem to find her place in her new situation. Until she meets Peter Jamison, who enlists Irene's help in prodding his brother to action. He also encourages her to establish a society to assist the less fortunate.

As Irene and Peter work to aid others, they are oft in one another’s company, and they soon find their pretended attraction feels all too real. Peter finally receives an offer for a vicarage in Northern England, far from the society that has a hold on Irene’s heart. Will Peter see his brother wed, find a church to call his own, and muster the courage to tell Irene how much he cares, or are they destined to be separated forever?

My Review

When I'm in the mood for a sweet and gentle romance, this author is one at the top of my list. She has a way of making her characters unique and not cookie cutter. Peter is a clergyman, but doesn't fit the serious studious stereotype. He is light-hearted, playful, and even flirtatious when needed. That's not to say he's shallow- he has compassion for others and serves with joy. He's feeling like a fish out of water while in between assignments, but fills that time with his friendship with Irene in the hopes of compelling his brother to go after the woman he loves. Irene also has a heart for service, and she and Peter work together to accomplish much good for their community. As they grow closer together, obstacles arise, and they are both challenged and strengthened through their experiences. I loved their sweet chemistry, they are a couple to root for!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Review: The Heart of Bennet Hollow by Joanne Bischof DeWitt

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing 

About the Book

An Appalachian farmer’s daughter and a wealthy businessman find a surprising love but must reckon with what divides them in this retelling of Jane Austen’s  Pride and Prejudice by the award-winning author of  The Lady and the Lionheart.

New River, Virginia. 1904. 

Lizbeth Bennet longs to preserve her family’s farm, securing a future for her and her sisters, a difficult task in their Appalachian coal mining town. Money is scarce, and Lizbeth is determined to find a way without giving up treasured pieces of her family’s legacy. But when the mine is put up for sale, it’s clear change is approaching. A contingent of coal barons descends on the town to investigate whether the mine is worth their investment, among them a young man rumored to be a very rich, eligible bachelor.

William Drake arrives focused on business and keeping his distance from the townspeople, especially those living on land entangled with the mine, including a farmer by the name of Bennet. As William digs through legal issues, his struggle to weigh the potential financial gain against what is right for the community grows more complicated when he meets one of the Bennet daughters.

Despite an awkward first meeting, Lizbeth and William continue to cross paths, and soon Lizbeth questions her first impression of the man she believed to be proud and indifferent. But just as their friendship begins to evolve, a revelation shakes Lizbeth’s tenuous trust, and she learns all may not be as it seems. To determine what is true, and step toward a love she’s barely dared dream of, Lizbeth must confront her own prejudices . . . and decide whether the future she’s always imagined is the one her heart truly wants most after all.

My Review

There are few things I love to read so much as a Pride and Prejudice adaptation! I can be critical of the ones that are more of a retelling that doesn't offer much variation, but this book brought the classic story to the turn of the century deep in Appalachia, with new challenges alongside the universal struggles of our beloved characters. The slight shifts and twists that made this story its own while weaving in parts of the original in fresh ways made it entertaining to read. I was delighted with the portrayal of each member of the Bennet family, and loved how the author stayed true to the original personalities while adding depth and insight into each of them. They are more humble circumstances compared to the original Bennets, but in relation to their neighbors and the coal barons, the relative prosperity matches well enough to Pride and Prejudice. Lizbeth and Jayne are the resourceful, mature sisters that share a close bond, and aware enough to be slightly embarrassed by their family while loving them fiercely as well.

William and his lawyer Callum are in the remote part of Virginia to determine if the local coal mine and surrounding property is a wise investment. It was fun that his luxurious train car represents his wealth, and the awe of the Bennet sisters when they are invited to tea there. William is confident in his own sphere, but Lizbeth brings out the awkward in him, and his self-mortification causes some miscommunication... thankfully resolved as they become friends. It was fascinating to learn historical details of the era and behind-the-scenes of the coal mine negotiations. I developed an appreciation for both the workers and the owners of the venture that supplied the fuel for energy. William is forward thinking in how to improve the mine productivity and conditions of the workers, including the poor mules who were raised by the Bennets and worked to death down in the mine without seeing sunlight again. The complications of land ownership, rumors and gossip, family interference, and misunderstandings bring conflict to William's relationship with Lizbeth and the Bennets, making the resolution all the sweeter and more satisfying in the end.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

 

 

Review: Autumn at the Cat Cafe by Kathleen Fuller

My rating: Did not finish

 

About the Book

Via Dalton owns Pawsitive Vibes, a successful cat café in small-town Pecan Corner, Ohio. The store next door, Second Chapter Books, is an iconic business in need of TLC, especially after its owner and Via's upstairs neighbor, the crusty septuagenarian Earl Brewster, unexpectedly passes away. Via's devastated by his death but is determined to make sure his legacy lives on by purchasing the bookstore, something she and Earl had discussed before his death. But his estate has to go through probate, and at the last minute Leo Brewster, Earl's long-lost nephew, shows up.

Leo's life is in a shambles. He lost his lucrative hedge fund analyst job and is convinced he's being framed by someone but can't prove it. Financially leveraged to the hilt and blacklisted in his industry, he ends up losing everything but one suitcase of clothing and his expensive sports car. He finally gets a break when out of the blue he hears that he's the heir to a bookstore left to him by an uncle he didn't even know he had. He leaves LA and heads to Pecan Corner to claim his inheritance.

Via and Leo immediately clash, despite the romantic sparks firing between them. When Leo refuses to sell the bookstore to her because she can't pay market value, she formulates a new plan--she must show Leo how important Second Chapter Books is to the community. Refusing to take no for an answer, she enlists Leo to help her fulfill her yearly Autumn Bucket List. Despite having her heart broken three years ago and swearing off men, she finds herself fighting her deep attraction to Leo . . . and losing.

As he looks for a serious buyer, Leo finds his uncle's journals and learns about his estranged family. Although he's desperate to sell to the highest bidder and go back to LA to figure out who framed him, he's falling for his Uncle Earl's community--and the spunky ray of sunshine that is Via Dalton.

My Review

Kathleen Fuller is one of my favorite authors of Amish fiction, but sadly that did not translate to contemporary romance for me with this book. It's definitely a cozy story, but I was bogged down with too much mundane detail and lost interest in story. I struggled to connect with Via or Leo, and wasn't feeling the chemistry between them. Maybe I've read too many of this type of story, but the plot of fulfilling bucket list items felt cliche. I gave it until 60% before moving on. I'm sure many will love the book but it just wasn't for me at this time.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Review: Better Off Friends by Elizabeth Eulberg

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

 

About the Book

For Macallan and Levi, it was friends at first sight. Everyone says guys and girls can’t be just friends, but these two are. They hang out after school, share tons of inside jokes, their families are super close, and Levi even starts dating one of Macallan’s friends. They are platonic and happy that way.

Eventually they realize they’re best friends—which wouldn’t be so bad if they didn’t keep getting in each other’s way. Guys won’t ask Macallan out because they think she’s with Levi, and Levi spends too much time joking around with Macallan, and maybe not enough time with his date. They can’t help but wonder . . . are they more than friends or are they better off without making it even more complicated?

My Review

A unique method of storytelling! The story follows Macallan and Levi through junior high and high school, as fun and loyal friends who bond over an obscure TV show, share secrets, fight, miscommunicate, crush on each other at different times as they mature and deal with grief, family dynamics, and relationships. Grown up (and together) Macallan and Levi comment in italics at the end of each chapter their thoughts on that part of their story. Overall, the sweet and turbulent friendship weathers some rough times but becomes all the stronger for it. A wonderfully clean young adult novel.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Review: Julia Monroe Begins Again by Rebekah Millet

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

About the Book

Julia Monroe has just turned forty and hopes this next decade goes much better than the last, in which she became a young widow raising two children on her own. With both her boys off to college, it's time for new beginnings, and she can finally focus on expanding her New Orleans-based cleaning business--but God has other plans. Samuel Reed, the ruggedly handsome Green Beret who broke her heart over twenty years ago, has returned to town and is the kind of distraction she never saw coming.

After their first interaction in years leaves her mind spinning and her emotions out of control, Julia knows she needs to keep her distance from him if she wants any chance of keeping history from repeating itself, but her meddling best friend has other plans to throw them together. It seems inevitable that Julia will have to face her past with Samuel, but only if she can work up the courage to embrace the kind of new beginning she never thought she'd see again.

Rebekah Millet will make you laugh, swoon, and cry in this delightful debut novel of first loves and second chances wrapped in the magic of New Orleans.

My Review

Once again, I read a series out of order! No problem- the books in the Beignets for Two series read perfectly well on their own and together. After reading and loving Kate's book, I just had to read her best friend Julia's story! The author's writing is so comfortable, I feel like I am sinking into the book. What magic is this? It's so easy to connect with Julia and laugh with her at her self-aware dry wit. She feels things deeply, and while sometimes it felt like an emotional whirlwind, the support from her best friend Kate, her sons, and even her crochety mother help Julia find an even keel again. Samuel and Julia have a history that did not end well before her loving marriage to her deceased husband. He's ready to reconnect, but I'm glad that Julia allowed herself to process all the hard feelings with each obstacle that arose. She didn't go easy on him, while not behaving like a bitter shrew either. She's so genuine, and that's the quality that I admired most in her. There are strong themes of relying on God, trusting in His plan and timing, and the beauty of forgiveness, even when it doesn't come easy.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the next book in the Beignets for Two series

 

 

Review: The Duke's Bargain by Megan Walker

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

About the Book

Ruined by scandal, Georgiana bargains with a duke to regain her place in Society. But their pretend friendship sparks real love, risking reputations, duty, and unexpected happily-ever-afters.

Eight months after a stolen kiss ruined her reputation, Miss Georgiana Wood is a recluse, cast out of Society without any hope of ever finding a suitable match. Longing for redemption, she never expects her salvation to arrive in the form of a handsome, temperamental duke.

After a failed bargain left the Duke of Marlow without a promised wife and heir, he must face courtship a final time. He plans to entice his future bride with a priceless family heirloom—one now in the possession of Miss Wood, who agrees to return it if he takes her on three outings in London during the Season to restore her reputation.

As the pair navigate Society’s expectations and whispered gossip, Marlow begins to see Georgiana as an ally and a friend. Her wit and courage, grace and allure far exceed that of the eligible ladies he intended to court, and soon, he’d do almost anything to secure her happiness.

As Marlow wrestles with duty and desire, Georgiana begins to hope that she could be loved for who she truly is. When hearts are tested, truth and secrets revealed, will love be enough to risk it all?

My Review

I always find it fascinating when an author can take not-well-liked characters from a previous story and give them their own story where we can see behind their facade and understand their motivations. Marlow and Georgiana are not without flaws, but as their relationship progresses from negotiators to friends to deeper feelings, their rough edges seem to smooth out and they develop strengths they didn't realize they had. The banter in their interactions is so fun, and they definitely keep each other on their toes. I love how they connect over reading in the library late at night and their fondness for cats. Despite their growing attraction and emotional connection, the future of the dukedom and the need for a very proper duchess is an obstacle that looms over them and leads to more complications. The representation of the other members of society was harsh, with no kindred spirits to be found among them, and the darker side of judgements and criticisms was at times prominent and other times subtle, even among our main characters. I connected more with Marlow and Georgiana towards the end of the book when their pretensions fell away and they became more genuine and realized what is truly important in a marriage and a future filled with love.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss Megan Walker's previous Proper Romance titles!