October 26, 2022

* Review * CINDERELLA MASQUERADE by LaQuette

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Cinderella Masquerade by LaQuette
Series: Texas Cattleman's Club: Ranchers and Rivals #7
Published by Harlequin Desire on October 25, 2022
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One dance. One kiss.

One unexpected twist.

After a stunning makeover, Dr. Zanai James barely recognizes herself. The reserved, no-nonsense therapist even dared to kiss rancher Jayden Lattimore in the middle of the dance floor. Though a mask had hidden her identity, Jayden tracks down his mysterious Cinderella, claiming he can’t forget her. But Zanai isn’t sure about the motives of a dashing man like Jayden, who’s never looked twice at her before. With their meddling families causing all kinds of trouble, will Zanai finally go after what she really wants?

An enchanting modern day Cinderella twist! With the seventh book in the Texas Cattleman’s Club: Ranchers and Rivals series LaQuette picks up the reins and brings us Jayden Lattimore’s story. I enjoyed Zanai and Jayden together, but felt like there was a disconnect from a good bit of the continuity saga we have been leading up to as the series has been built and several plot holes on her side of the story that could have been fleshed out more for a smoother storyline. I’m looking forward to the last couple of books in the series to see how it all plays out.

Jayden was a really enjoyable character. He is smooth and dignified and not afraid to show his attraction. I enjoyed his family interaction throughout the book.

I wasn’t super fond of Zanai’s portrayal. She was supposed to be accomplished and successful, but the fact that she didn’t support herself more and stop allowing herself to be mistreated and walked over made her come across as weak and lacking.

I recommend this series as a whole to anyone that enjoys a storyline rich in family saga and happily ever afters.

* Review * THE WISH LIST by Michelle Major

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

The Wish List by Michelle Major
Series: The Carolina Girls #4
Published by HQN Books on October 25, 2022
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This Christmas the Carlyle sisters will rediscover the gift of family

For some families, a Christmas reunion is like a feel-good movie. For Beth Carlyle, it might be more of a disaster epic. Her ex-husband’s new girlfriend is already pregnant. Her self-absorbed, bestselling author mother recently suffered a stroke and has summoned Beth’s sisters, Freya and Trinity—neither of whom even seem to like Beth very much—back to Magnolia. Beth’s so lonely and stressed that she spills her guts to a stranger, wondering why the handsome newcomer affects her so deeply. Reality TV star Freya deliberately forged a career that would upset her mother, who’s always been as brilliant as the sun…and just as distant. Now a handsome literary agent is making Freya dream of a different life. As for Trinity, she just wants to start over after leaving an abusive relationship and make a future for her and her baby.

It’ll be a Christmas like no other in Magnolia. But the Carlyle sisters might find they have more in common than their shared past—and that the holidays are made for second chances.

Includes a bonus holiday novella set in Magnolia!

Michelle Major weaves this gem of a town around reader hearts book after book! Magnolia seems to be the town that can heal family strife and bring love and warmth to the forefront again and again, and I for one can’t seem to get enough of it. The characters are always well-developed and heart set on standing their ground in their belief of the wrongs they have endured, but life’s reality coupled with a healthy dose of forgiveness and a softening heart lead family members to reconnect and find happiness again.

The Carlyle sisters find themselves gathering in their hometown to rally around their ailing mother even though each has conflicted emotions over their flawed relationship with their mom as well as each other. Emotions are high, secrets are revealed and love conquers all.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a reconnection of family after years of estrangement as each sibling connects with a new love interest.