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!

 

 

Review: We Are Never Getting Together by Janette Rallison

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

About the Book

In this reverse Parent Trap, two feuding teenagers pretend to be in love to keep their parents apart, but love has other plans. A clean YA rom-com from USA Today best-selling author, Janette Rallison.

Madeline and Cooper have had bad blood since junior year when she beat out his sister for the lead in the school play. Ever since, it’s been one petty escalation after another—plastic-wrapped cars, glitter bombs, and even a derogatory viral video. When their latest prank lands them in the principal’s office with their single parents in tow, Madeline and Cooper are shocked to find that their parents have hit it off and now have plans for a dinner date.

Horrified by the prospect of their parents falling in love, Madeline and Cooper reach a truce. To keep their parents apart, they’ll pretend their feud is over and that they’re in a relationship. They’re positive that by fake dating, their parents will realize their relationship is a terrible idea and stop seeing each other. But the longer their fake relationship continues, the more they discover that there may be things they actually like about each other. How long are Madeline and Cooper willing to keep up the ruse before they have to face the consequences of their actions?

My Review

SO ENTERTAINING!!! I love this author's fresh (and clean) take on the teenage experience. It feels authentic to me, and doesn't delve into unnecessary or dark drama. The pranks Madeline and Cooper played on each other were absolutely hilarious and creative- many mentioned from the past- and some take place during the story. Their journey from archenemies to reluctant conspirators to unlikely friends to something more was so genuine and flowed with the ups and downs of the plot. Cooper's sister, Madeline's bestie, and of course, their dating parents, make a great supporting cast. The growth of Madeline and Cooper throughout the story was compelling as they come to self-realizations and consider what's truly important. Highly recommend to romance readers no matter how long it's been since you were in high school!

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: Josi S. Kilpack First Love Collection (Timeless Regency Collection)

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

About the Book

The JOSI S. KILPACK FIRST LOVE COLLECTION contains the brand new historical romance novella An Impetuous Debutante, as well as three hand-picked readers' favorites of Josi's popular Timeless Romance novellas.

An Impetuous Debutante

When Veronica slips out of London hidden in a carriage seat, she believes she is escaping the expectations of society, of marriage to a man who does not interest her, and of a future chosen for her rather than one she has chosen for herself. She does not expect to find herself entangled in secret work for the Home Office, nor does she expect Geoffrey Meyers—the dependable and seemingly unremarkable friend of her brother, who has never once drawn her notice—to be part of it.

A broken carriage wheel, an unintended change of course, and a single impulsive decision draw Veronica into a world far larger—and more secretive, and more interesting—than she ever imagined. Veronica discovers that independence does not always need to be loud, nor is love always obvious at first glance. Perhaps she has underestimated everyone, herself included, and might yet find a way to chart her own course within the margins of her place in the world—and build a life she never dreamed possible.

Til’ All the Seas Gang Dry (Originally in: To Love a Governess)
It has been six years since Dina left London and David and whatever fantasy she had allowed to grow in the months of flirtation that had nearly overtaken them both. Now, David is getting married and he and his fiancé are guests at the home where Dina works as a governess. Convinced the connection they felt was nothing more than childhood fancy, Dina is taken by surprise to find that her feelings have not changed, and, she fears, David’s have not either. Still, she is determined not to interfere with the life he has worked so hard to build … until she realizes that his fiancé is not nearly as committed to him as he is to her. No one will trust her motivations for revealing the truth, not even David, and she could ruin everything she had built here, but if it spares David heartbreak, is it worth the sacrifice?

A Merry Dance (Originally in: Autumn Masquerade)
When Lila overhears her uncle talking about a man coming to look for property in the county, she doesn’t think twice, until her uncle says he hopes Lila will find enough interest to marry the man. How can she marry someone named Mortimer Luthford, not to mention that his advanced age of thirty-three, and especially since she’s already in love with her absent cousin Neville? But when Mortimer arrives, Lila has to try every trick known to women to act not interested in the rather fascinating man, which proves a very difficult façade to maintain.

Begin Again (Originally in: All Regency Collection)
Regina Weathers gives up on marrying for love the day that Ross Martin walks out of her life. Now, fifteen years later, Ross shows up at a ball and thinks he can woo Regina. But she is set on her lonely path and stitched-up heart, no matter the excuse Ross gives for his years of silence and neglect. When Ross insists he wrote many letters during his military years, Regina discovers a secret long-since buried by her father, and the revelation might be enough to thaw the coldness of her heart.

My Review

Regency is one of my comfort-read genres, and this collection by one of my favorite authors brings several of her best novellas together! In each story I was immediately drawn to the main characters, able to feel their emotions as they navigate their circumstances. I love that they each feature a character arc that allows each lady to grow with the courageous choices they make and the things they learn. The sweet romance is full of affection and chemistry, bringing a smile to my face with each conclusion.

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: Whiteout by Dani Pettrey & Lynette Eason

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

About the Book

Brace yourself for a snowbound adventure in this 2-in-1 novella collection from your favorite romantic suspense authors as an avalanche forces two couples to face down their enemies in a ski resort shut off from the outside world.

In "Buried in Shadows" by Dani Pettrey, Cassandra Parker arrives at her best friend's destination wedding, praying her stalker didn't follow her to Colorado. Also part of the wedding party is Sheriff Joel Brunswick, the man Cassandra left at the altar to save his life. When an avalanche traps their skiing party in an abandoned lodge, it soon becomes dangerously clear Cassandra's stalker has followed her . . . and he is willing to kill to make her his.

In "Snowbound Secrets" by Lynette Eason, Dr. Maya Sullivan fully intends to escape her past and finish planning a retreat for military veterans at the ranch she's inherited. Unfortunately, her plans go sideways when an avalanche traps her in a Colorado ski resort. An unexpected reunion with her high school crush forces her to confront past wounds, but she soon realizes someone is targeting her, and their search for a shadowy enemy becomes a matter of life and death.

 

My Review

These two stories were full of action and chilling (see what I did there?) suspense. The first story features a murderous stalker and a large group of candidates on the menu. It was hard to keep track of them all! Cassandra is the self-sacrificing lamb who allowed threats to destroy her relationship with Joel and has been living in isolation- just what the stalker wanted. I didn't really understand why she couldn't trust her sheriff fiancé to protect her and catch the villain. As members of the wedding party are gruesomely picked off one by one, the low-key reactions didn't make much sense to me. We had snippets of the villain's perspective which was creepy but also pulled me out of the connection to Cassandra and Joel. I think the story would have been more effective without it. (3 stars)

 

The second story was more my style, with the focus on childhood friends Maya and Gideon reuniting and discovering their mutual affection quickly developing into romance. I loved their chemistry as they served those around them in the aftermath of the avalanche and protected each other from the mysterious dangers not from the natural elements. I always appreciate when the author of a novella can show their characters strengths and vulnerabilities in a way that is natural but also lets me connect with them quickly and feel fully invested in their story. I would have put this one first in the collection. (5 stars)

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.

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Ten amazing books with green covers to celebrate!

Do you celebrate St. Patrick's Day with any fun traditions? I like finding something green to wear. When I was a kid my mom made our family an all-green dinner, which was... interesting ;)

 

Here are ten books I loved and rated 5 stars! I hope you give a few of them a read! Comment if you add any to your TBR or if you've read some of them!

 

Click on the book to learn more about it! 

 

 

 

 

Linking Up with That Artsy Reader Girl March 17: Top Ten Green Book Covers