Archives for December 2021

* Review * THE FAMILY YOU MAKE by Jill Shalvis

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE FAMILY YOU MAKE by Jill ShalvisThe Family You Make by Jill Shalvis
Series: The Sunrise Cove Series #1
Published by William Morrow Paperbacks on January 11, 2022
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five-stars

During the snowstorm of the century Levi Cutler is stranded on a ski lift with a beautiful stranger named Jane. After strong winds hurl the gondola in front of them into the ground, Levi calls his parents to prepare them for the worst…but can’t bring himself to say goodbye. Instead, wanting to fulfill his mother’s lifelong wish, he impulsively tells her he’s happily settled and Jane is his girlfriend—right before his phone dies.

But Levi and Jane do not.

Now Levi’s family is desperate to meet “The One.” Though Jane agrees to be his pretend girlfriend for just one dinner, she’s nervous. After a traumatic childhood, Jane isn’t sure she knows how to be around a tight-knit family that cherishes one another. She’s terrified, and a little jealous. But an unexpected series of events and a host of new friends soon show Jane that perhaps this is the life she was always meant to have.

As Jane and Levi spend more time together, pretend feelings quickly turn into real ones. Now all Jane has to do is admit to herself she can’t live without the man she’s fallen in love with and the family she has always dreamed of.

 

Heartwarming, emotional and oh so good! Jill Shalvis writes emotion with a realistic tone that always hooks me quickly to her characters and the setting of a new series. In the first book at Sunrise Cove, we are quickly thrust into an emotional moment and the angst, sass and goodness does not stop from start to finish. I loved every minute of THE FAMILY YOU MAKE and can’t wait for more to come in this cozy town.

Levi and Jane are thrust together unexpectedly and the tense times they share bond them quickly. He’s a nerdy brainiac who is utterly adorable and she’s a loner, never believing she fits in. Watching her heal and learn to accept love is heartwarming and he’s just an all around sweetheart.

Charlotte and Mateo are co-workers and neighbors who throw off sparks towards each other the second they hit the page. She’s scarred from past trauma and he’s healing from a heartbreak of his own. Together they are oil and water but once she lets the guard around her heart crumble a little, they are on their way towards forever!

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a romance that has laughter, emotion, and real life issues all wrapped up into one heartwarming read.

five-stars

* Review * INVISIBLE by Danielle Steel

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * INVISIBLE by Danielle SteelInvisible by Danielle Steel
Published by Delacorte Press on January 4, 2022
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four-half-stars

Antonia Adams is the product of a loveless marriage between a beautiful young model and an aristocrat. As a child, she is abandoned in the abyss that yawns between them, blamed by her mother, ignored by her father, and neglected by both. Unprotected and unloved, she learns that the only way to feel safe is to hide from the dangers around her, drawing as little attention as possible to herself, to be “invisible.”

In her isolation, books are her refuge and movies her escape. A day spent being carried away by an unforgettable film in a dark theater is her greatest thrill. Her love of the movies turns into a dream to become a screenwriter, and a summer job at a Hollywood studio. There, a famous British filmmaker notices her, and suddenly she can remain invisible no longer. He wants to put her in a movie and make her a star. It is a dazzling opportunity but a terrifying one, as it strips her of the camouflage that made her feel safe. She is suddenly thrust into the public eye—and even more so when they fall in love.

She will never let go of her true dream of becoming a filmmaker, though, and if she wants to make that leap, she will have to expose herself in ways she never has before. When tragedy strikes, she must decide whether she will remain center stage or become invisible again, where she feels safest. Will she face her demons, or run and hide?

In this extraordinary novel, Danielle Steel tells the story of a woman who must decide how high a price she is willing to pay to pursue her passion—and whether it is possible to stay true to herself while she does.

 

A gut-wrenchingly raw rendition of the emotional abuse a child can suffer at the hands of neglectful parents. In INVISIBLE Danielle Steel uses her powerful voice to tell the tale of a child who suffers the consequence of being born to a narcissistic mother and an easily led father. The emotional depth is spot on and the story very attention grabbing. I was highly entrenched into the book right up until the huge changing point in Antonia’s adult life and then I felt the story lessen in the emotional connection. I would have liked to have seen a bit more in the later part of the book, but overall a really great story with so much emotion.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys jumping into the deep end with the character and living their life one day at a time with them as emotions run high, opportunities arise and tragedy strikes.

four-half-stars

* Review * THE O ZONE by Kelly Jamieson

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE O ZONE by Kelly JamiesonThe O Zone by Kelly Jamieson
Series: Bears Hockey II #1
Published by Kelly Jamieson Inc on January 4, 2022
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five-stars

He's on the defense against love but scoring in the O zone is so much fun…

Owen Cook

I have one goal: To be the best hockey player I can be. I’m not going to waste the opportunity I have. All my focus is on hockey. I avoid distractions like women and relationships during the hockey season, but when a quirky subway busker asks me out on a fake date, somehow I’m intrigued enough to accept.

Emerie Ross

I gave up my music dreams to look after my half-sister. I don’t want her to feel as alone and neglected as I did after our mother died. But my ex-boyfriend is still trying to win me back and now my stepfather is helping him. Gah! I’d rather drink bleach than marry Roman Moretti. If they think I’m involved with someone else, maybe they’ll give up on that idea. All I need is a man…a date for a party.

Owen

When Emerie introduces me to her wicked stepfather (ha) I realize I’ve made a huge mistake. He’s my boss—the man who owns the team I play for. And he’s not happy to see me with Emerie. Can you say career ending move?

Emerie

Oops. I hate hockey. How was I supposed to know who Owen is? How are we going to keep Vince from trading him away? How am I going to make sure I stay happily un-married? We’re going to have to keep up this pretense even if it means me going to hockey games. Ugh. Even if it means disrupting Owen’s rigid routines. Even if it means everything gets a lot more complicated…

 

Sexy, adorable and sweet! With the first book in a brand new Bears Hockey II series Kelly Jamieson brings on the feels when Owen and Emerie connect and sizzle. THE O ZONE is fast paced and emotional and I highly enjoyed it. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

Emmie is a sweetheart and super easy to connect with. The only thing I felt lacking with her character was digging a little deeper into what her relationship with the ex had really been.

I love Owen! He’s one-sighted but man is he a nice guy. I was happy to see him deal with his past and learn to let her in more.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a hockey romance with lots of heart.

five-stars

* Review * THE BAD BOY EXPERIMENT by Reese Ryan

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE BAD BOY EXPERIMENT by Reese RyanThe Bad Boy Experiment by Reese Ryan
Series: The Bourbon Brothers #6
Published by Harlequin Desire on December 28, 2021
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four-half-stars

What happens when you say yes to a bad boy?

Even if divorcée Renee Lockwood were willing to give love a second chance, she wouldn’t choose Cole Abbott. The sexy, successful real estate developer doesn’t do commitment. But he’s perfect for a no-strings fling—exactly what Ren needs now that she’s moved back home to raise her son. Mind-blowing pleasure with the man she once crushed on is harder to quit than Ren expected. Impossible, in fact. Is time running out before the bad boy bolts…or will the results of her experiment surprise her?

 

Witty banter, unbridled passion and so many feel-good moments! I’m sad to see the Bourbon Brothers series coming to an end with THE BAD BOY EXPERIMENT but I loved every single minute of it. Reese Ryan has this magical tone to her writing voice to make a character outgoing and sassy on the surface, yet you can simply feel the kind and gentle soul beneath. I have dearly loved getting to know this family and watching the happily ever afters pile on one after the other. I can’t wait to see what happens with the shocking secret!

Cole is simply adorable. Even though he’s a very successful man with a thriving business, there’s something about him that just makes you visualize a dimpled grin of a naughty guy around every corner and I LOVED that about him.

Renee is honest and forthright and isn’t afraid to say that she has the world setting on her shoulders as she tries to set up a new life for her young son and herself after a divorce. Seeing her reconnect with a former crush was really heartwarming.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a close knit successful family who isn’t about to let their strife and squabbles derail the company they’ve all put their heart and soul into. Each sibling finds their forever love and family drama is always outweighed by the multitude of love and laughter surrounding them all.

 

four-half-stars

* Review * FROZEN SOULS by Rita Herron

* Review * FROZEN SOULS by Rita HerronFrozen Souls by Rita Herron
Series: Detective Ellie Reeves #4
Published by Bookouture on October 28, 2021
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five-stars

She looked like an angel. She lay perfectly still, silky blonde hair falling to her pale shoulders. Icicles clung to her eyelashes as snowflakes fluttered to the frozen ground, burying her body.

As a snowstorm wreaks havoc in the mountain town of Crooked Creek, a woman is found buried in ice. Detective Ellie Reeves is first on the scene. Examining the body, she finds frozen blonde hair, pink nail polish and a silver heart necklace engraved with Mine Forever.

Ellie has first-hand experience of the monsters that lurk in the mountains––her childhood is testament to that. She vows to catch this one, but she’s up against the brutal weather, with snow covering footprints and making forensics impossible.

Frantically trawling through missing-person’s reports, Ellie identifies the victim. Nadine Houser disappeared eleven years ago. Where has she been all this time? Why was she only murdered now?

As storm clouds roll in, another girl is reported missing. Ellie retraces the steps of Ginger Weston who was renting a cabin in the mountains. She discovers a gold chain in the snow, spotted with blood. The killer is accelerating, and it’s just a matter of time before more innocent lives are robbed.

With the town blaming Ellie for the missing girl on her watch, and everyone fearing for their safety of their daughters, it’s down to Ellie to solve the toughest case of her career. But when the killer comes after her, will she live to save Crooked Creek from its ruthless monster?

 

Tantalizing intrigue and gut wrenching emotions as always! Rita Herron is really keeping me hooked with her Detective Ellie Reeves series. The crimes are always eerie and demented and the drama surrounding them holds my attention easily. As Ellie’s contentious relationship with her friendly neighborhood FBI agent heats up, the animosity the sheriff showers on her peaks to an all time high. I’m already looking forward to the next series release!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys an addictive serial killer series with emotional depth and surprising twists and turns around every corner.

five-stars

* Review * THE TRUE COWBOY OF SUNSET RIDGE by Maisey Yates

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE TRUE COWBOY OF SUNSET RIDGE by Maisey YatesThe True Cowboy of Sunset Ridge by Maisey Yates
Series: Gold Valley #14
Published by HQN Books on December 28, 2021
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four-half-stars

When a bull-riding champion is left holding his friend’s baby, could it be time to put down roots in Gold Valley?

Midwife Mallory Chance is ready for a fresh start in Gold Valley. And when she locks eyes with a handsome cowboy across the saloon, it feels like fate. After too many years wasted on her cheating ex, good girl Mallory is read to cut loose and prioritize herself. But when the dust settles on their hot night together, it turns out that her mysterious one-night cowboy is none other than her new landlord—and someone she’ll be seeing very regularly around Gold Valley.

Bull rider Colt Daniels has a wild reputation, but after losing his friend on the rodeo circuit, he's left it all behind. If only he could walk away from his guilt as easily…or the temptation of Mallory. He can’t offer her the future she deserves—what does a cowboy with a heart as damaged as his know about forever? Then his friend's tiny daughter ends up in Colt's care. Colt has never wanted to rely on anyone, but he needs Mallory's help taking care of the baby he's beginning to love as his own. But is it all still temporary, or is it their chance at a forever family?

 

Fast-paced, heartwarming and delightful! With the next foray into her Gold Valley series Maisey Yates brings her reader Colt Daniels’ story in THE TRUE COWBOY OF SUNSET RIDGE and this wounded cowboy is sure to steal hearts. The opening scene had me hooked instantly and the emotional connection that followed kept me turning page after page. I really enjoyed Mallory and Colt and liked getting the final “sibling” on his way to his happily ever after.

Colt came across as disconnected from the family in the previous books, so watching him return home and be part of the inner circle again was really rewarding to watch.

Mallory has an emotional back story so watch her come into her own and finally believe in what she deserves in life is powerful.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who loves a good cowboy, especially one that knows when to latch onto the good woman that crosses his path.

four-half-stars

* Review * FAST FORWARD by Kat Mizera

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * FAST FORWARD by Kat MizeraFast Forward by Kat Mizera
Series: ROCK HARD #4
on December 28, 2021
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five-stars

One night can change everything.

Musician Ford Malone left Texas, without so much as a backward glance—lured by the bright lights of L.A. and the all-consuming world of rock and roll. It’s taken a while, but his star is finally starting to shine. Ready to take the world by storm with his new band, Nobody’s Fool, nothing will stand in his way. Until he sees her again... the girl he left behind.

Since the death of her parents, Sydney Aiken has had no time for romance. Her entire life now revolves around being a full-time mom to her three much-younger siblings. And even if she were interested, the last person on earth she’d get involved with would be the jerk who broke her heart and walked away seven years ago.

A chance encounter brings them face to face and as the past and present collide, Sydney is caught between protecting her family and following her heart. Seven years is a long time, and Ford has no idea he’s about to untangle a web of ugly secrets. But the only woman he’s ever loved is about to slip through his fingers...for the second time. Will he realize that only she can play the melody of his heart?

 

Sexy, sensual and raw! I never would have thought that a tamed down version of Ford Malone would be appealing, but that man is an absolute doll! With the final book in the Rock Hard series Kat Mizera reunites Ford with the one he left behind and we’re quickly delving into the tangled web of secrets and lies that tore he and Sydney apart. The characters are endearing, the situation is drama-filled but sensitive and the family connection is top notch. I loved every minute of this series and wish there were more band members to come!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a player rocker who falls hard when the love of his life crosses his path.

five-stars

* Review * FROM FLORIDA FLING TO FOREVER by Susan Carlisle

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * FROM FLORIDA FLING TO FOREVER by Susan CarlisleFrom Florida Fling to Forever by Susan Carlisle
Published by Harlequin Medical Romances on December 28, 2021
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four-half-stars

Rule number one? Forget their fling

If only it was that easy!

Pioneering transplant surgeon Lily Evans is always cool under pressure. So why does the idea of working with ex-fling Max James have her so hot under the collar? Max is just passing through Florida, after all, and maintaining a professional relationship is top of their agenda. Yet Lily’s sensible head is being overruled by her unusually reckless heart as she begins to fall for more than just Max’s roguish charms…

 

Colleagues turn into much more in the latest from Susan Carlisle! FROM FLORIDA FLING TO FOREVER delivers a punch of warmth as chemistry leads to happily ever after for two surgeons. The added addition of her sister to the story added a sweet depth to an already satisfying connection and only made me love them together more. I would have liked a little more development of his family outside of the business realm, but overall a very satisfying read.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a medical setting in your romance with lots of chemistry, warmth and connection.

four-half-stars

* Review * THEIR NEW YEAR’S BEGINNING by Michelle Major

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THEIR NEW YEAR’S BEGINNING by Michelle MajorTheir New Year's Beginning by Michelle Major
Series: The Fortunes of Texas: The Wedding Gift #1
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on December 28, 2021
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five-stars

At the stroke of midnight,

A stranger’s kiss changes everything…

Brian Fortune doesn’t think he will ever find the woman he kissed at his brother's New Year's wedding. So when the search for the provenance of a mysterious gift leads him into a local antique store a few days later, he's stunned to find Emmaline Lewis, proprietor—and mystery kisser! Surprise turns to shock when he realizes that she's also six months pregnant. Brian has never been the type to commit—and he’s really not ready to become a family man in one fell swoop! But suddenly he knows he’ll do anything to stay at Emmaline's side—for good…

 

A delightful meet-cute sets the stage for the newest Fortunes of Texas spinoff! Michelle Major delivers an intriguing mystery along with a heartwarming love story with the first book in the Fortunes of Texas: The Wedding Gift series, THEIR NEW YEAR’S BEGINNING. I loved the characters and their fast paced love story hooked me quickly. The added addition of some adorable kiddos in the picture was a smile worthy perk. I look forward to more to come in this series as a stellar mystery has been set.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a touch of mystery with enjoyable chemistry as another member of the Fortune family finds their happily ever after.

five-stars

* Review * THE RULES OF THEIR RED-HOT REUNION by Joss Wood

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE RULES OF THEIR RED-HOT REUNION by Joss WoodThe Rules of Their Red-Hot Reunion by Joss Wood
Series: Harlequin Presents
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five-stars

Rule #1: their chemistry stays in the past
Rule #2: until they get to the bedroom!

When Aisha married Pasco Kildare, she was naively following her heart. But Pasco’s single-minded ambition led to them living separate lives. Thrust back in the South African billionaire’s world—as his business partner!—she’ll rewrite the terms of their relationship.

Now wildly successful, Pasco knows his workaholic ways caused irreparable damage. But Aisha has changed, too: her new strength shines. Keeping things professional is only sensible, but when their reunion takes a scorching turn, ripping up Aisha’s rule book is dangerously tempting…

 

A steamy reconnection with an ex! THE RULES OF THEIR RED-HOT REUNION by Joss Wood was quick to hook me as Aisha is surprised into an unwanted reunion with her ex-husband just as a promotion is looming in the job she loves so much. The characters are intriguing and the chemistry between them is still flaring bright.

Aisha is self-assured and accomplished in her career, but a blast from the past threatens to derail her when she is forced to work with the ex-husband she walked out on a decade ago.

Pasco is highly successful but is quick to realize the mistakes he made in their former relationship and wish he had a way to put the pieces back together.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a reconnection of former spouses with an emphasis on addressing what went wrong and figuring out together how to fix it.

five-stars