Review: Just Add Friendship by Heather B. Moore

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Ten years of dating since he left. Ten years of nothing working out. Is it her, or is it him? Or can no one else measure up?

Stephenie Grady can’t figure out why every man she dates turns into a troll, well, not an actual troll with green skin and warts, or the kind of troll who stalks the internet with negative comments, but the kind of troll who dumps her. Yes, she’s been dumped every time, by every guy she’s dated. She’d blame it on the male population, but her girlfriends have amazing men in their lives.

Steph could also tell herself she hasn’t met the right man yet, and that could be true, but what if she already has? What if the right man was in her life ten years ago, and what if he comes to their ten-year high school reunion? And what if her memories of a past relationship don’t measure up to the realities of the boy-turned-man, Cal Conner?

My Review

The contemporary romances by this author are my favorites! The characters are realistic, likeable yet slightly flawed or quirky and growing in their journey. Steph and Cal have great chemistry- as friends and with their romance. I love the way Steph accepts Cal's past and shows compassion, not pity. He also accepts her present and helps without being asked (which can be hard for her to accept), and forms his own bond with her grandfather she cares for. I love the group of friends Steph has, Everly and Brandy from the first two books, as well as some others. Cal and Steph both have some issues to work through, and I appreciated their maturity in talking through them and being patient with each other. A wonderful story with a satisfying ending! This book can be read as a stand alone, but I'd recommend reading the first two books in order since they are more connected.

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 Everly Falls series . . .

Review: Rocky Mountain Rendezvous by Misty M. Beller

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

In 1837, Juniper Collins and her sisters are shocked by their father's final request in his will for a special set of beads to be returned to a Piegan Blackfoot woman he credits with saving his life during his travels west. Together, the sisters set out for the trapper rendezvous to find the woman, but their mission turns more daunting when they come upon the mass of men and lodges spread out in the Green River Valley.

Riley Turner came west to find peace and quiet and live off the land, but when four unprotected women arrive at the rendezvous, he feels compelled to help them and is more fascinated by Juniper than any other woman he's known.

As their search brings only empty leads and dead ends, the sisters must decide whether to return east or stay in the mountains to continue looking--and that's if the mystery woman is even still alive. Is the risk to honor their father's last request worth the danger they find at every turn?

Discover the majesty--and treachery--of the Rocky Mountains in this unique combination of exhilarating adventure, inspiring faith, and sweet romance from USA Today bestselling author Misty M. Beller.

My Review

This begins a new series with four sisters from the East, venturing into the mountains on a quest to locate a Native woman who saved their father's life, returning her heirloom beads. Each sister has a unique personality, and I loved the way they complemented each other. Rosemary is the natural leader as the oldest and can be a bit domineering, but they all look to Juniper as well for thoughtful wisdom. Lorelei has a soft heart for animals, nurturing a coyote pup on their journey. Faith is enthusiastic and up for adventure, and follows the lead of her sisters. I was nervous for them as they stayed at the rendezvous with all the mountain men and no protector or guardian, even though they had weapons. Riley immediately saw their need for an advocate and fills the role slightly begrudgingly. The sisters learn to value his input, while not letting him dissuade them from their goal. There was a sense of anticipation with each Indian camp they visit, searching for Steps Right. I loved the natural chemistry between Juniper and Riley, and the sweet, slow burn romance that develops. The sisters made a pact at the beginning of their journey to not depend on any man or start a relationship, which provides the conflict in Juniper's mind as Riley becomes more integral to their mission. While they make some discoveries, the hunt for Steps Right continues and it seems that it will be the overarching plot that connects all the books in the series.

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 Sisters of the Rockies series . . .

 

 

 

Review: Just Add Mischief by Heather B. Moore

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

New neighbor? No, thank you. Peace and quiet? Yes, please.

Fresh from a broken engagement, the last thing Brandy Kane wants is to deal with her standoffish new neighbor, even if his dog is a sweetheart.

Ian Hudson doesn’t like people, which includes the busybody family who’s apparently moving in the property below his private cabin. A place he thought was abandoned for good. He’s secluded himself for a reason, and he isn’t about to allow his peace to be disturbed.

But when the rest of his teetering world takes a nose dive, his new neighbor might be the only one to get him through. It will just take adding a little mischief.

My Review

I was so happy to get back to Everly Falls, and discover how Brandy coped with the breakup from her fiancee, which happened in the first book of the series, Just Add Romance. (This can be read as a standalone, however I loved the first book so don't miss it!) She escapes to the mountains on the outskirts of town, still close enough to be in contact with her family. Ian is also isolating himself, and these two broken hearts find healing with each other. I loved their banter, chemistry, friendship, and the author made it so easy to care about them. Add in an adorable dog, meddling family, and small town charm, and this book was such a great escape!

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 other books in the Everly Falls series . . .

Review: One Kiss Alone by Nichole Van

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Ethan Penn-Leith is the most renowned poet of his day—his likeness so widely recognized, he is regularly accosted by adoring admirers. Everyone wants something from him—his time, words, charm, torn bits of his kilt . . . Everyone, that is, but Lady Allegra Gilbert.

Twin sister to the authoritarian Duke of Kendall, Lady Allegra fights for freedom from her brother’s iron-gripped control. She has a plan for her future, after all, one that does not involve her ducal twin. Ethan Penn-Leith with his knee-melting smiles and boyish charm is merely a pretty distraction along the path to independence.

The problem? Ethan and Lady Allegra once shared a life-altering kiss on a rugged mountain road in Italy when she was disguised as someone else entirely. Ever the poet, Ethan turned their romantic kiss into a scandalous, best-selling poem. Now, all of London is clamoring to know the identity of the poet’s unnamed lady.

If she wishes her freedom, Lady Allegra needs to keep her secrets, well . . . secret. Ethan wants nothing more than to uncover all of Allegra’s truths.

In between outrunning legions of Ethan’s admirers, becoming stranded in a seaside village, and journeying by ducal decree to rural Scotland, Ethan and Allegra struggle to decide what they each truly want. Or perhaps, in the end, Fate will turn on one kiss alone?

My Review

All. The. Feels. There is so much going on in this book! We got to know Ethan a bit superficially in the previous book, from Malcom and Viola's perspective. So it was wonderful to peel back the layers and see what was beneath the charming poet who took a little too much inspiration from his brother. I just loved his optimism and humor! Even when frustrated, in danger, or feeling pinned down by others' expectations, he has a quality about him where he just keeps trying and seeking solutions. His first meeting with Allegra was memorable of course, but the surprise was discovering who she really is. What a life she's led! No wonder she feels trapped by her brother. I think the sense of losing his true self to become like their domineering late father is what she grieves most of all. Ethan and Allie's serendipitous reunion in London leads to deepening their relationship (such amazing chemistry!), but  so many obstacles are before them. The pace of the book is swift as they navigate society and familial pressures amidst danger and suspense, and I couldn't put the book down as I held out hope that they would be able to be fully open with each other and find their way to happiness together. I'm so excited that the next book will feature Allie's brother, the Duke of Kendall.

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 Penn-Leiths of Thistle Muir series . . .

Review: The Heart of Holiday by Michele Paige Holmes

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Life is good for Caroline Whittaker. She has loving, supportive parents, she’s embarking on a promising career as a cardiac surgeon—her lifelong dream—and her boyfriend is about to propose. Nothing could be farther from her radar than a visit to Holiday, Alabama, population 767.

Tired of living in his father and brother’s shadows, Charlie Armstrong has moved from his hometown and is living the bachelor life, indulging in his love of sports and putting all of his resources and passion into his “boys,” the high school football team he coaches. He doesn’t see a reason to ever move home again—until a stranger beats him to it and an odd series of events leads him straight there, to his father’s house in the heart of Holiday, with some of the town’s quirkiest residents settled in for an extended stay as well.

Charlie has long since given up figuring any of them out, but the new woman in town is another matter. She’s a mystery worth solving, and he’ll do whatever it takes to unravel Carol’s secrets, help her heal, and prove that he’s as good at love as the rest of his family.

My Review

I didn't read the synopsis before starting this book, so I was completely taken off guard by the scene that makes Caroline have to go into Witness Protection. She is absolutely devastated and thrown by her abrupt change in circumstances, and it makes me wonder what kind of counseling services are available in real life to victims like her. The small town welcomes Carol as the new librarian with open arms, and it was heartwarming to see her make new friendships despite her reticence. As a medical professional she can't help but get involved when she sees others in crisis, and her skills only make Charlie more curious. I loved their dynamic and the way they complement each other. The pace of the book continues steadily with their romantic chemistry and some suspenseful tension as Carol's past comes to haunt her, and the resolution give her the opportunity for new choices. This is the third book in the series and could easily be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the first two books in order since the characters and plot in them are more connected.

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 Holiday Harbor series . . .

 

Review: Not on Your Life by Jenessa Fayeth

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Maddie:

How did I become a washed-up lawyer at the ripe age of twenty-six? I’ll tell you.

Connor Freaking Quinn. AKA, the devil himself.

When he shows up at my new job to apologize, I’d just as soon torture him than talk to him. It’s entertaining, but it doesn’t change the past. And that’s what I’ve been trying to do for the last four months. I have to get back into law.

The problem is, the longer I’m away from the courtroom, I can’t help but realize I prefer a much different court.

Connor:

The reason for our feud?

It’s simple, really. I need a distraction, and fighting with Maddie is the perfect way to keep my mind off the stress from the last couple years. Messed up, I know.

I’ll admit, I took it too far. I didn’t mean to start that rumor, but I ruined her life anyway. I have to fix things for her.

If only she will talk to me. I miss her cute glares and snide remarks—maybe I should consider therapy.

The guilt isn’t the only thing keeping me around, though. And the longer I try to get her to talk to me, the harder it is to stay away.

My Review

The best thing about the enemies to lovers trope is the potential for amazing tension, and this book delivered! It was fun when Connor realized before Maddie that he had fallen for her, but was tormenting her for attention since he didn't feel good enough to win her on his own merits. Their office competition came to an ugly end when Connor inadvertently gets her fired... but that's not the end of their rivalry. These two are crazy with each other! And for each other- but it takes much longer for Maddie to get to a place where she can trust him. When she's his personal trainer at the gym? Comedy gold. I loved the banter and chemistry these enemies-to-lovers shared and the growth they both go through on their journey. This was such a fun read!

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 first book in the Never Say Never series . . . 

Review: Cursed by Elizabeth Adams

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

The Darcy family has a secret…

 
For generations, they have been plagued by a Curse. They cannot undo it. They cannot cure it. They can only endure and hope Fate has mercy on their tortured souls.

Hertfordshire is a peaceful county, until Netherfield is suddenly filled with eligible bachelors. Or perhaps not so eligible…

Elizabeth Bennet would like a wealthy husband as much as the next lady, but this may be more than she bargained for.

My Review

Confession: I spent the summer binge-reading Pride & Prejudice variations. It all started with the previous book in this series, Think of Me. Then I just couldn't get enough of them! After all the books and novellas read and authors tried out, Elizabeth Adams is still my favorite. And now we have a new addition to the Collection of Unusual Tales- Cursed. I love the creativity and twists the author adds that puts our dear Lizzy and Darcy in new situations that they navigate with their same personality traits that make them so beloved. There's a hint of the paranormal with the curse that plagues the Darcy family history (and Darcy himself), but the setting and characters are grounded in Regency reality. I adore the loyalty and protective nature of Colonel Fitzwilliam. Darcy is moody as ever, with an added reason to be cranky. Elizabeth is sassy and a little impulsive, but also thoughtful and compassionate. I loved seeing how the curse would affect the impressions Darcy and Elizabeth have of each other, and interfere with their journey to happily ever after. A must-read for fans of Austen and retellings of the classics!

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 other stories in A Collection of Unusual Tales . . .

Review: Can't Help Falling by Courtney Walsh

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Sometimes all it takes to start a fire is a single match. . .

Owen Larrabee is not my soulmate.

He wasn't when I confessed my love to him on his wedding day, and he isn't now. I should probably say that I wasn't the bride when that happened. I don't have the best timing.

He’s got a temper, he's moody, and he has a history of being misunderstood and making big mistakes.

I, on the other hand, make pumpkin cupcakes, spend my Friday nights curled up with a beloved romance novel and long to be kissed in the rain.

Owen is my best friend’s older, off-limits brother and the only boy I ever thought I loved. Which is laughable because he only ever saw me as his kid sister’s dorky friend.

But that was a long time ago. And I’m over him.

Mostly.

Until he comes back to Harvest Hollow like some kind of hero, showing up just in time to pull me out of my burning house and make me feel all the things I told myself I’d never feel again.

But I have questions. Why is Owen back? And does he remember our secret friendship or the day I’ve spent the last eight years trying to forget?

I know better than to get hung up on Owen again. Especially now, when he’s sworn off relationships and thinks romance is a farce. And I’m something of an expert—at least to the people who listen to my podcast, The Hopeful Romantic.

Never mind that nobody would guess their local bookshop owner is the one doling out popular weekly relationship advice.

Never mind that I’m basing all that advice on the hundreds, (thousands?) of romance novels I’ve read over the years and not on personal experience.

And especially never mind that Owen is making me question everything I believe about all of it.

Can’t Help Falling is a best friend’s brother, childhood crush, opposites attract sweet rom-com with plenty of sizzle but none of the steam.

My Review

I absolutely loved this book full of humor and heart! This author always brings the feels for me, even in her more light-hearted plots. So much to love here- Unrequited love, best friend's brother, friends to more, bookstore owner, firefighter, secret identity! I loved being able to read Owen's perspective as he comes home and faces his past, unexpectedly but inevitably falling for Emmy, despite her (hilarious) awkwardness and attempts at avoidance. He is so compassionate to her and shows through his actions and words that he understands and validates her feelings from losing her home. The small town setting is so fun, and the friends and family were vibrant and had depth as they root for their new favorite (potential) couple. Owen grows and softens as he is influenced by Emmy's views on romance and love, while he balances out her fictional romance knowledge with some real-life loving that is less about show and more about intention. I just loved their angst and chemistry!

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.

The Sweater Weather multi-author series . . .

(click photo or here to go to the books!)

Review: Miss Newbury's List by Megan Walker

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Before Rosalind weds, she wants to experience ten things. Meeting Charlie wasn’t on her list.

England, 1820

Rosalind Newbury is counting down the days until her wedding to the Duke of Marlow, a man she has only met twice, and she knows exactly how she wants to spend her time. As a child, Ros created a list of ten things to do before her wedding day. So far, she has done none of them.

She is determined to tackle each item, though she’ll have to accomplish them all in secret. After all, a soon-to-be-duchess is not usually allowed to bury treasure in the pasture, eat sweets all day, or learn how to swim. She enlists the help of her best friend, Liza, who brings along her cousin, Charlie, a prodigal son-turned-boxer who has come to the countryside to mend his reputation and learn how to be his father’s heir.

Together, the three of them work to complete the list, and as each item is crossed off, an unlikely friendship blossoms between Ros and Charlie. The more time they spend together, the more Ros falls in love with this imperfect man and his good heart.

With the wedding looming, Ros must decide to either admit her romantic feelings for Charlie and risk her family’s future, or keep her promise to marry the duke and start a new life as a noblewoman.

My Review

Regency bucket list! Ros knows she's about to lose her freedom when she marries, and hopes to experience certain things before the wedding. While her accomplishment of some of these brings humor to the story, it is her feelings of being caught between her own heart and the expectations of her family and society that made the story so compelling to me. Charlie is drawn in to the endeavor and encourages her independence, helping her see that she is more than what her marriage will do for her family. Their romance felt forbidden since she is promised to the duke, so I'm glad they spent the majority of the story as friends with attraction and deepening feelings. The character growth and relationship dynamics Ros has with her family and friends made this book a pleasure to read, and one I plan to read 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.